How do I use FamilySearch Chat?

Article Id: 8870
April 23, 2024

FamilySearch Chat is a tool for communicating with people who have contributed information to Family Tree.

The initial chat must be sent through the Chat button that you see when you click a contributor's name in Family Tree. Sending or receiving a chat through Family Tree transfers the person's name to your contact list in FamilySearch Chat.

Note: FamilySearch Chat is not available for users under the age of 18. However, these users can participate in FamilySearch Chat through shared family groups.

Steps (website)

Access your chats

  1. Sign in to FamilySearch.org.
  2. In the top-right corner near your name, click the Chat icon. The chat icon is represented by 2 speech boxes.
  3. A box for previewing your chats appears. You can also scroll through the preview and click the message you would like to read.

Read and respond to chats

  1. The FamilySearch Chats page is similar to most email inboxes.
    • In the column on the left, you see a list of communication threads.
    • In the main viewing area to the right, you see the conversation.
  2. To read or continue a conversation, click the person's name in the left column of the chat window.
  3. To send a message, type your chat in the small, rectangular box at the bottom of the screen.
  4.  When you are ready, click the send arrow. The send icon is located beneath the message box in the bottom-right corner.

Begin a new conversation

  1. Sign in to FamilySearch.
  2. At the top right corner of the page, near your name, click the Chat icon represented by 2 speech boxes.
  3. A pop-out chat window appears.

  4. To create a private chat, do one of the following:

    • In the top right corner of the chat window, click the compose icon represented by a box and a pencil. Type the person's contact name in the search field. Select the person to start a chat.
    • In the left-hand side panel, click the Create Private Chat hyperlink. Type the contact name in the search field. Add up to 9 people.
      Note: Additional people cannot be added to the chat once a chat has been sent. To add additional people, start a new chat.
    • Scroll through the names of recent contacts, and click the correct name.

  5. When you are ready, type your message into the small, rectangular box at the bottom of the screen.

    • If you want to add an extra line to your message, click the Shift key and the Enter key (Shift + Enter). Pressing only the Enter or Return key sends the message.
  6. When you are done writing your message, click the send arrow or press the Enter key.

Note: You can switch the keys to send and add lines in your settings.

Note: 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.

Steps (mobile app)

  1. Open the Family Tree mobile app.
  2. Open the menu.
    1. iOS: In the bottom-right corner, tap the 3 bars.
    2. Android: In the top-left corner, tap the 3 bars.
  3. Tap Chat.
  4. At the bottom of the screen, tap the compose icon.
  5. Begin typing a name in the "Add Person" search box, or select a person from your "Recents and My Contacts" list.
  6. In the lower part of the screen, type your message and tap the send arrow.

Note: 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.

Steps (Family Tree Lite)

FamilySearch Messaging is available only on the full FamilySearch website and in the Family Tree mobile app.

Note: If an individual dies, their chats (from FamilySearch Chats) cannot be shared with living family members because their chats are considered private communication.

FamilySearch Chat - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I delete a chat in FamilySearch Chat?
What are the rules for discussions and chats?
How do I mute, hide, or block someone from chatting with me?
How do I report abuse, spam, inappropriate memories, and other content?

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