Expensify Chat is an instant messaging system that helps you converse with people both inside and outside of your workspace about payments, company updates, and more. Expensify Chats are held in private chats, groups, and rooms.

• Private chats – Private conversations between you and one other person.
• Groups – Private conversations with two or more participants.
• Rooms – Public conversations are available to all members of your workspace.

Start a Private 1-on-1 Chat

🛑 Note: You cannot add more people to a private chat. If you wish to include more people later, you’ll need to create a group chat.

1. Click the + button in the navigation tabs and select Start Chat.
2. Enter the name, email, or phone number of the person you want to chat with.
3. Click or tap their name to start a new private chat.

Start a Group Chat

1. Click the + button in the navigation tabs and select Start Chat.
2. Enter the name, email, or phone number of each participant and select Add to group.
   • Group participants are listed with a green checkmark.
3. Click or tap Next.
4. Update the group image or name:
   • Name – Click or tap Group Name, enter the new name, then select Save.
   • Image – Click or tap the profile image, upload a new image, and select the zoom level.
5. Click or tap Start Group.

Start a Chat Room

1. Click the + button in the navigation tabs and select Start Chat.
2. Click or tap the #Room tab at the top.
3. Enter a unique name for the room.
4. (Optional) Add a room description.
5. Select the Workspace where the room will be hosted.
6. Set Who Can Post:
   • All members
   • Only Admins
7. Choose Visibility:
   • Public – Anyone can find and join the room.
   • Private – Only invited users can see the room.
   • Workspace – Only workspace members can find the room.

🔒 Note: Anyone, including non-workspace members, can be invited to a private or restricted room.

1. Click or tap Create Room.

How to find rooms in a workspace

The Rooms directory lists the rooms you can access in a workspace, so you can quickly find a room—like your workspace’s expense chat—without having to pin it.

1. Click the Workspaces tab in the navigation tabs (on the left on web, on the bottom on mobile).
2. Select the workspace.
3. Click Rooms (listed under Members).

Each row shows the room’s icon, name, who created it, and the number of members. Rooms are listed in alphabetical order, and a search bar appears once there are enough rooms to scroll through.

• Workspace admins – Clicking a room opens its details, where you can edit settings and manage members.
• Workspace members – Clicking a room takes you into the room. Opening a room from the directory does not automatically join you to it.

You only see the rooms your permissions allow, so the directory can look different for admins and members.

How to create a room from a workspace

1. Click the Workspaces tab in the navigation tabs (on the left on web, on the bottom on mobile).
2. Select the workspace.
3. Click Rooms.
4. Click Create.
5. Enter a unique name for the room, set Who Can Post, and choose the room’s Visibility.
6. Click or tap Create Room.

After the room is created, you’re returned to the Rooms directory with the new room highlighted.

FAQ

What’s the difference between a private 1-on-1 chat and a group chat with only two people?

With a group chat, you can add more participants later. A private chat does not allow new participants to be added.