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How to use and set up the Chat plugin

Let users send private messages and manage conversations in-app with the Chat plugin. Customize reactions, control access, and enable integrations.

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Written by Support
Updated over a month ago

The Chat plugin allows users to send one-on-one messages, react to messages, and view conversation history within your app. You can customize the experience and connect the Chat plugin to other plugins like Directory, Community Wall, or Upvote for full functionality.

What users see in the app

  • Users can send direct messages to others through connected plugins

  • Messages appear in threaded conversations with timestamps and online status indicators

  • Users can send text, emojis, images, and videos, and download received media

  • Reactions can be added to messages using predefined options set in the Design tab

Requirements

  • This is an Accelerate plugin, available on specific plans only.

  • To initiate messages, the Chat plugin must be integrated with the Directory, Community Wall, or Upvote plugin.

How to customize and manage the Chat plugin

  1. Log in, go to Builder in the left navigation

  2. Click the + button at the top left to open the Plugin Marketplace:

    1. Search for Chat, then click Add Plugin

    2. Name your feature and choose whether to add it to the side menu, then click Add again

  3. Configure the Chat Plugin

    1. Go to the Design tab

      1. Add or edit the reactions users can use in messages (e.g., thumbs up, heart)

      2. Reactions will show when a user long-presses a message

    2. Go to the Layout tab

      1. (Optional) Enable Advanced Mode to edit layout using custom CSS

    3. Go to the Settings tab

      1. Turn on Unread Message Tracking to show unread indicators in the app

      2. (Optional) Enable Custom Firestore Database if you want more control over message data

    4. Go to the Security tab

      1. Require login to access messaging

      2. (Optional) Restrict access using tags

      3. (Optional) Assign tags to users who use the Chat plugin

    5. Go to the Purchase tab

      1. Enable paywall access if needed

      2. Set up your purchase product and details

    6. Go to the Analytics tab

      1. View usage data such as number of threads, total messages, and failed sends

    7. Go to the Language tab

      1. Customize labels and terms (e.g., change “Chat” to another term that fits your app

  4. Link the Chat plugin through one of the following plugins:

  • Directory: Go to the Directory plugin’s Settings, edit the Action Item, and link it to the Chat plugin

  • Community Wall: Go to Settings, update the Action Item to point to the Chat plugin

  • Upvote: Go to Settings, enable Private Messaging, and link it to the Chat plugin

Pro tips

  • You can rename the “Chat” label in the Language tab to better match your app’s tone

  • Threads are persistent, so users can return and continue old conversations

Troubleshooting tips

  • If message options aren't appearing, make sure the Chat plugin is connected to at least one of the supported plugins

  • If messages fail to send, check your Analytics tab for error tracking

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