How do I use FamilySearch Chat to contact another user?

Here are steps to send a message to a recent contact in FamilySearch Chat.

Steps to Create a Private Chat (website)

1. Sign in to FamilySearch.
2. At the top right corner of the page, near your name, click the Chat icon represented by 2 overlapping speech boxes.
3. A pop-out chat window appears.
4. To create a private chat, do one of the following:
   
   1. 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.
   2. 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.
   3. 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 Send or press the Enter key.

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

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.

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. Tap the 3 lines icon.
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.

Related articles

How do I use FamilySearch Chat?
How do I send a message to someone who contributed to Family Tree or Memories?