Chat Features and Moderation Tools

New Expensify Chat makes it easy to collaborate with teammates through messaging. This guide walks you through sending messages, formatting them, editing or deleting chats, reporting content, and managing group or room participation.

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How to Send a Message

You can send messages, attach files, and add emojis from the message bar at the bottom of any chat.

Web:

1. Open any chat from your inbox.
2. Click the field labeled Write something, then type your message.
3. To add an attachment, click the plus icon and select Add attachment.
4. To add an emoji, click the emoji icon.
5. Press Enter or click the Send icon.

Mobile:

1. Tap any chat from your inbox.
2. Use the message bar to type a message, add an attachment, or insert an emoji.
3. Tap the Send icon.

How to Format a Message

You can style messages using markdown:

• Italic: _text_
• Bold: **text**
• Strikethrough: ~~text~~
• Headings: # Heading
• Blockquote: > quote
• Code: `code` or multiline using triple backticks
• Inline image: ![Alt text](URL)
• Mention user: @username
• Mention room: #room-name

How to download a file attachment from a chat message

Web:

1. Open a chat.
2. Click the file card in the message, or right-click the message and select Download.

Mobile:

1. Open a chat.
2. Tap the file card in the message, or long-press the message and select Download.

The file is saved under the name shown on the file card. If the name shown on the card has no file extension, Expensify adds the original file’s extension back so the file still opens correctly.

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How to Edit or Delete Messages

Web:

1. Open a chat.
2. Right-click (or hover over) a message.
3. Select Edit comment or Delete comment.
4. If editing, modify the message inline and press Enter to save.

Mobile:

1. Open a chat.
2. Long-press a message.
3. Select Edit comment or Delete comment.
4. If editing, the message text appears in the composer at the bottom of the screen. Edit the text and tap the Send icon to save.

Note: You can only edit or delete your own messages. Deleted messages are permanently removed. Editing a message changes only its text. Any file attached to the message stays attached and keeps showing as a downloadable file card, including when you edit the message while the file is still uploading.

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How to Mark a Message as Unread

You can mark a message as unread when you want to come back to it later.

Web:

1. Open the chat from your Inbox.
2. Hover over the message, then select the three dots (⋮).
3. Select Mark as unread.

Mobile:

1. Open the chat from your Inbox.
2. Long-press the message.
3. Select Mark as unread.

The chat name stays bold in your Inbox, and a green New line appears above the message you marked so you can find your place again.

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How to Start a Conversation Thread

You can start a private 1-on-1 thread based on a message in a chat room or group.

1. Open a chat.
2. Right-click the message and select Reply in thread.
3. Enter your message in the new chat.

To return to the original conversation, tap the link at the top of the thread.

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How to Invite Members to Groups or Rooms

You can invite others in three ways:

Using @mention

1. In the message field, type @ and the person’s name or email.
2. Send the message to invite them.

From the Members List

1. Open the room or group.
2. Click the header > Members > Invite member.
3. Select contacts and click Invite.

Via Link or QR Code

1. Tap the room header.
2. Tap Share code.
3. Copy the link or display the QR code to scan.

Note: Private rooms can only be joined by people already in the room.

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How to Leave a Chat Room

To remove a chat room from your inbox:

1. Open the chat room.
2. Click the chat room header.
3. Select Leave.

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How to Flag a Chat Message

If you see spam, harassment, or any other inappropriate content, flag the message.

1. Hover over the message.
2. Click the 3-dot menu > Flag as offensive.
3. Choose a reason (e.g., spam, bullying).

Note: Public rooms are automatically scanned by Expensify’s moderation system. Moderators will review flagged content and take appropriate action, and the sender is notified anonymously.

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FAQ

Can I add people to a private 1-on-1 chat?

No, you’ll need to start a new group chat instead.

Can I remove someone from a group or room?

No, members must remove themselves.

Will others see when I edit a message?

Yes, an “edited” label will appear.

Will my file attachment stay attached if I edit the message?

Yes. Editing changes only the message text, so the file stays attached and continues to show as a downloadable file card. This also applies when you edit the message before the upload finishes, or while you are offline.

Can I rename a file attachment?

Yes. Select Edit comment on the message and change the file name in the composer. If you leave off the file extension, Expensify adds the original extension back when you download the file.

Why can’t I message in some rooms?

Rooms may have restricted posting permissions for Admins only. In other cases, the conversation may be read-only, and you’ll see a “This conversation is read-only” banner at the bottom of the chat.

What happens when I flag a message?

The moderation team reviews it, may hide or delete the message, and can restrict the sender’s account.