What types of chats exist in the app?
There are two types of chat functionality available in the MATCHi app:
- Match chats – Group chats created by players in the same booking.
- Direct messages (DMs) – One-to-one private chats between two players.
Chats are only available in the mobile app, not on the web.
How are match chats created?
Match chats can be created from the booking details view when there are at least two confirmed participants in the match. The chat includes all confirmed players (excluding players with private profiles).
Admins and venues are not included in match chats and cannot see the messages.
How are players added to or removed from match chats?
- Players who leave a match (cancel or are removed) are automatically removed from the chat.
- Players who join a match are automatically added, if the chat is already active.
- Private profiles will not be added to new chats.
- If a player changes their profile to private after being added, they remain in the chat unless they manually leave.
How long are match chats available?
Match chats are stored for 6 months after the last message was sent. After that, they are deleted permanently.
Can players leave or rejoin chats?
Match chats: Yes. Players can leave a match chat without leaving the booking. If they join again, they will see the previous chat history.
Direct messages: It’s not possible to leave a direct message thread, but players can choose to delete the chat.
- Deleting a DM will permanently remove the messages from your own chat history.
- The other participant will still see the full conversation.
- This action cannot be undone.
Can players block others?
Yes. Blocking:
- Prevents the blocked user from sending direct messages.
- Deletes the DM history between them.
- Does not affect existing or future match chats.
- Does not notify the blocked user.
Blocked users are managed by the player under their profile settings.
How do notifications work for chat messages?
Players receive:
- In-app indicators when there are new messages.
- Push notifications, if enabled in the app settings.
Notifications apply to both match chats and direct messages.
How do private profiles affect chats?
Players with private profiles:
- Cannot be added to new match chats.
- Cannot receive new direct messages from others.
- Can still respond to existing chats they were already part of, but will be visible as anonymous.
Can venue staff or admins view player chats?
No. All chats (match chats and DMs) are only visible to the involved players in the mobile app. Venue staff and admins do not have access to chat content.
Can players start chats with anyone?
- Match chats require a shared booking and at least two confirmed participants.
- Direct messages can only be started with users who have a public profile.