FamilySearch Chat is an evolving messaging tool available through the FamilySearch.org website and iOS and Android mobile devices. Occasionally, improvements are made from user feedback. If you have questions or feedback about FamilySearch Chat, please visit this post in the FamilySearch.org community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Can I download the data from the previous messaging tool?
Answer: Yes. For messages before November 2021, go to FamilySearch.org/messages/download to download a complete .docx or .zip file of all your old messages to your personal device. Any other messages will remain on the old system until 31 December 2023 and can be downloaded in the previously mentioned link.
Messages after 2021 were automatically imported to FamilySearch Chat. During the initial import of messages from the old to the new system, the first message is shown with the remainder of those messages as a reply or in thread with the first message. If messages appear to be missing, start with the first message and look for any replies. Click on the reply view if there are any missing messages.
Question: Is FamilySearch Chat available users of to all ages?
Answer: FamilySearch Chat is not available for users under the age of 18. However, these users can participate in FamilySearch Chat through shared family groups.
Question: Why is the chat button disabled?
Answer: The chat feature may not be available for the following reasons:
- The user is under the age of 18.
- The user doesn't have a valid birthdate.
- The user's account is not chat enabled.
- The user's country is not chat enabled.
- The user has not completed registration.
- The user has been marked deceased.
Question: How do I see what is behind the chat window?
Answer: At the top of the chat window, click and hold your mouse button and drag the chat window to a different part of your screen. If you want to view information behind the chat window in its entirety, open a separate browser window. Having a separate browser window allows you to view the chat in one window and additional web pages in the other browser window.
Question: Can I resize the chat window?
Answer: Yes. On the outside border of the chat window, click and hold your mouse button as you drag the border in (smaller) or out (larger).
Question: Can I minimize the chat window?
Answer: You can resize the chat window, but the chat window cannot be minimized.
Question: I have a message but I cannot find it. Where do I go?
Answer: New messages appear in bold. In the left panel, there is an unread message section that you may need to expand to see your chat. You can also see a message number indicator where the chat resides.
Question: My new message appears to be a thread. How can I see the chat thread and respond?
Answer: If the new message is a thread (a reply to a specific message), the replies are located in the thread section.
Question: Is it possible to search for a specific chat?
Answer: At the top of the chat window, you can also search messages for a specific word by using the search bar. Enter a search term, such as Austria, to view a list of messages in drop-down format that contain the word. The search feature may take a moment to populate the results.
Question: Will my old messages within FamilySearch be preserved in the FamilySearch Chat system?
Answer: The previous FamilySearch Messages from 1 November, 2022 are being migrated to FamilySearch Chat. One of the reasons for the 1 November 2022 date is that the Shared Family Groups feature was made available at that time. Migrating the messages from that date allows you to continue chatting with those persons or about those topics.
Question: Can other users see my status when I am online using FamilySearch Chat?
Answer: Yes, other users can see that you are available when the chat window is open. Once you close the chat window, you no longer appear online.
Question: How do I expand or collapse chat sections?
Answer: Look for the Unread (#) and click the carrot icon. For reference, see the image below.
Question: How can I turn chats on or off for events, such as RootsTech?
Answer: To display or hide event chats, in the bottom left corner of the chat window, click Show Event Chats.
Question: Can I delete a chat?
Answer: Chats can be muted or hidden, but not deleted. Next to the chat you want to mute or hide, click the 3 vertical dots and select mute chat or hide chat. Muting a chat means you will not receive notifications for that chat. Hiding a chat means you will not see the chat in your chat list.
Question: Can I search the user directory in order to chat with someone?
Answer: Every FS Chat user can add a profile picture. If you include your country, state, or province, and keep your profile name close to the name you regularly use, other users can more easily find you.
Question: Is there a way to invite other people to opt-in to FamilySearch Chat?
Answer: Search the user directory to find and chat with another person. If you cannot find the user directory, look in the Advanced Search options for an Invite Others link.
Question: How do I add a person to my chat?
Answer: For private chats between you and 1 other user, begin typing their name and select it from the list that appears. For private chats among you and 2 or more users, start a new chat with all the users you want to include as part of the chat. You cannot add a user to a private chat if that user was not invited when the chat was created. For event chats, in the lower right hand corner of the chat window, look for the Person+ icon. Click the icon to invite a user to the event chat.
Question: Previously, I could share a family ordinance with someone through FamilySearch messages. Is it possible to do the same thing through FamilySearch Chat?
Answer: There is no longer a quick add button for sharing an ordinance with a family member. You can, however, share the PID for an individual who needs ordinance work completed, and the person you chat with can view the record and request ordinances themselves.
Question: How do I search for people I know in FamilySearch Chat?
Answer: In the most current release of FamilySearch Chat, at the top of the page, you can use the search bar to search for people by their name (Profile Name) or contact ID. Individuals in the following groups appear when searching.
- Recent chats
- Contacts
- Helpers and Helpees
- Global contacts
Church members can also see the following groups:
- Ward and stake members
- Ward, stake, and area consultants
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