💬 NextzChat Help Center

Find answers to common questions about using NextzChat

🔑

Login & Security

Sign in, Face ID biometric login, and password recovery

📝

Sign Up & Account

Create an account, verify email, and manage your login

🚀

Getting Started

Learn how to sign up, create groups, and send your first message

💬

Messaging

Edit, delete messages, typing indicators, read receipts, and more

👥

Groups & Members

Create groups, manage members, set roles, and group settings

🔒

Privacy & Security

Understand how your data is protected and message retention

🏢

Organizations

Create and manage your community organization structure

⚙️

Admin Features

Group settings, message moderation, and member management

📌

Organization Features

Pins, sticky notes, and polls to organize your community

🔐

Encryption & Data Protection

How your messages and data are encrypted and secured

🧵

Message Threads

Reply to specific messages and organize conversations

🤖

AI Features

Smart analysis, sentiment detection, language detection, and more

🚫

Moderation & Profanity

Content rules, profanity filtering, spam protection, and community safety

🔧

Troubleshooting

Solve common problems and find technical support

🔑 Login & Security

How do I log in to NextzChat?

To sign in to your account:

  • Open the NextzChat app
  • On the login screen, enter your email address
  • Enter your password
  • Tap "Sign In"
  • You're now logged in and can access organizations and groups
💡 Tip: Keep your login credentials private and secure.
What is Face ID login and how does it work?

Face ID (or fingerprint on Android) is a secure, fast way to log in using your biometric data:

  • iOS: 😊 Face ID - Uses your face to authenticate
  • Android: 👆 Fingerprint/Face - Uses fingerprint or face recognition (depending on device)
  • After you set it up, you can log in instantly by tapping the biometric button
  • No need to remember or type your password
  • Your biometric data is stored on your device only—never sent to servers
✓ Feature: Biometric login is faster and more secure than password login!
How do I set up Face ID login?

To enable Face ID login:

  • Step 1: Log in normally with your email and password
  • Step 2: Go to your Profile (tap your name/avatar)
  • Step 3: Look for "🔓 Biometric Login (Face ID)" option
  • Step 4: Tap to open the biometric settings
  • Step 5: Toggle the switch to ON
  • Step 6: Enter your password to verify it's really you
  • Step 7: Your device will ask you to authenticate with Face ID/fingerprint
  • Step 8: Approve the biometric authentication
  • You'll see: "Face ID login has been enabled" ✓
⚠️ Important: Your device must have Face ID/fingerprint set up before you can enable this feature.
Can I use Face ID on my device?

Face ID login is available if:

  • iPhone: Must have Face ID or Touch ID enabled in device settings
  • Android: Must have fingerprint or face recognition enrolled
  • Your device must support biometric authentication

If Face ID/biometric is not available:

  • You won't see the biometric login button on the login screen
  • You can still log in normally with email and password
  • No worries—password login works perfectly fine
💡 Tip: Check if your device has Face ID enrolled in device Settings → Face ID (or Biometrics on Android).
How do I log in with Face ID after setting it up?

Once Face ID is enabled, logging in is super fast:

  • Open the NextzChat app
  • On the login screen, you'll see a Face ID button (😊 on iOS, 👆 on Android)
  • Tap the biometric button
  • Your device asks for Face ID/fingerprint authentication
  • Look at your phone or scan your fingerprint
  • Done! You're instantly logged in

No need to type your email or password—Face ID handles it all!

Is Face ID login secure? Can someone else log in with my face?

Yes, Face ID login is very secure:

  • Your biometric data: Stored only on your device, never sent to servers
  • Your password: Encrypted with military-grade AES-256 encryption
  • Device-level security: Your device controls biometric authentication
  • Spoofing protection: Face ID checks for liveness (detects photos, masks, etc.)
  • Access control: Your face can't be stolen online—it's physical and on-device
✓ Security: Face ID is actually MORE secure than typing passwords on public Wi-Fi!
Can I disable Face ID login?

Yes, you can turn off Face ID anytime:

  • Go to your Profile → "🔓 Biometric Login (Face ID)"
  • Toggle the switch to OFF
  • Confirm when prompted
  • You'll see: "Biometric login has been disabled"
  • Your encrypted credentials are automatically deleted

After disabling: You'll need to use email and password to log in again.

What if I change my password? Does Face ID still work?

If you change your password, Face ID login will stop working:

  • Your old Face ID credentials become invalid
  • The next login will fail with an error message
  • You can re-enable Face ID to use your new password

To fix it:

  • Log in with your email and new password
  • Go to Profile → "Biometric Login"
  • Toggle OFF then back ON to re-enroll with your new password
  • Enter your new password when prompted
  • Authenticate with Face ID again
What is my password used for?

Your password has two main purposes:

  • Authentication: Proves your identity when logging in
  • Account security: Only you should know it

In the context of Face ID:

  • When you set up Face ID, your password is encrypted and stored on your device
  • When you log in with Face ID, the app uses the stored encrypted password to authenticate
  • Your password is never sent to servers—it's for local authentication only
✓ Safety: Your password is always protected and never exposed.
I forgot my password. How do I reset it?

To reset a forgotten password:

  • On the login screen, tap "Forgot Password?" link
  • Enter your email address
  • Tap "Send Reset Link"
  • Check your email for a password reset link
  • Click the link in the email
  • Enter your new password
  • Confirm the reset
  • You're redirected to the login screen
  • Log in with your new password
💡 Tip: Check your spam folder if you don't see the reset email.
I reset my password. Do I need to set up Face ID again?

Yes, after resetting your password:

  • Your old Face ID credentials are no longer valid
  • The biometric login button will appear but won't work with the old credentials
  • Log in with your new password first
  • Then go to Profile → "Biometric Login" to re-enable Face ID
  • Follow the setup steps with your new password

This is a security feature to ensure only you can access your account after a password reset.

What if Face ID fails or I deny the biometric prompt?

If Face ID authentication fails:

  • You denied the prompt: Nothing happens—you can try again
  • Wrong face/fingerprint: You'll see "Authentication Failed" and can retry
  • Face ID button doesn't work: Use email and password login instead

What you can do:

  • Try Face ID again (you get multiple attempts)
  • Use your email and password to log in
  • Disable Face ID and re-enable if issues persist
💡 Tip: Password login always works as a backup—you'll never be locked out!
Can I use the same Face ID for multiple accounts?

No, Face ID is linked to your device, not your account:

  • Each NextzChat account needs its own setup
  • If you have multiple accounts, you can enable Face ID for each
  • Your device will remember multiple encrypted passwords (one per account)
  • When you tap Face ID, it will log in to whichever account was last used

Switching accounts: Log out and use the regular email/password login to switch to a different account.

Is there a password strength requirement?

Your password must meet these minimum requirements:

  • At least 6 characters long
  • Can include letters, numbers, and special characters

For better security, we recommend:

  • Use at least 8-12 characters
  • Mix uppercase and lowercase letters
  • Include numbers and special characters (!@#$%^&*)
  • Avoid common passwords or personal information
  • Use a unique password different from other apps/sites
✓ Tip: A strong password + Face ID = maximum security!
What happens if my device is stolen? Can someone use my Face ID to log in?

If your device is stolen, your account is protected by multiple layers of security:

  • Face ID: Requires your face (biometric data) to work—thief can't use it
  • Encryption: Your password is AES-256 encrypted on your device
  • Device protection: iOS and Android both lock stolen devices
  • Account recovery: You can reset your password via email

If you lose your device:

  • Log in from another device with your email and password
  • Change your password immediately
  • This disables Face ID on the lost device

📝 Sign Up & Account Creation

How do I create a NextzChat account?

To create a new account with email:

  • Tap "Sign Up" on the login screen
  • Enter your email address
  • Create a secure password (minimum 6 characters)
  • Check the "13+ age confirmation" box
  • Click the "Terms of Service" link to review and check the agreement box
  • Click the "Privacy Policy" link to review and check the agreement box
  • Tap "Sign Up" to create your account
⚠️ Important: You must review BOTH the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy by clicking the links before you can sign up.
What password requirements are there?

Your password must meet these requirements:

  • At least 6 characters long
  • Can include letters, numbers, and special characters
  • Case-sensitive (ABC is different from abc)
💡 Tip: Use a unique password that you don't use on other websites.
Why do I need to review the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy?

To use NextzChat, you need to agree to our terms and understand your privacy rights:

  • Terms of Service: Explains how the app works, your rights, and our responsibilities
  • Privacy Policy: Details what data we collect, how we protect it, and how you can control it
  • Both documents are required by law to be reviewed before account creation

The app requires you to:

  • ✅ Click the link to open the full document
  • ✅ Check the checkbox to confirm you've read it
  • ✅ Do this for BOTH Terms of Service AND Privacy Policy
✓ Feature: The app guides you through clicking both links—just follow the prompts!
What does the age requirement mean?

NextzChat requires users to be at least 13 years old:

  • You must check the "I confirm I am 13 years or older" checkbox to sign up
  • This is a legal requirement for online services
  • By checking this box, you confirm your age

This protects both the app and its users by complying with laws like COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act).

What happens after I click "Sign Up"?

After you sign up, here's what happens:

  • Your account is created in our system
  • An email is sent to your email address with a verification link
  • You're shown a screen: "Check your email for a verification link"
  • The app monitors for email confirmation
  • Click the link in the email to verify your account
💡 Tip: Check your spam/junk folder if you don't see the confirmation email.
I signed up but didn't get the confirmation email. What should I do?

If you don't receive the confirmation email:

  • Check spam folder: The email might have been marked as spam
  • Wait a few minutes: Email delivery can take a few moments
  • Resend email: On the verification screen, tap "Resend Email" button
  • Use a different email: If the address was wrong, sign up again with the correct email
  • Check email address: Make sure you entered the email correctly when signing up
⚠️ Important: You cannot access the app until you verify your email. This is a security measure to protect your account.
How do I verify my email?

To verify your email and activate your account:

  • Open the confirmation email you received
  • Click the "Verify Email" link in the email
  • Your email is instantly confirmed
  • You're automatically redirected to the login screen
  • Log in with your email and password
✓ Feature: The app automatically detects email confirmation and redirects you!
What if I try to sign up with an email that already exists?

If the email address is already registered:

  • You'll see an error: "User already exists. Go to Sign In"
  • This means someone already created an account with that email
  • Tap "Go to Sign In" to log in with that email instead
  • Or try signing up with a different email address
💡 Tip: If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" option on the login screen.
Can I change my email after signing up?

Currently, you cannot change your email address after signup. However:

  • You can create a new account with a different email address
  • Once in your account, you can update your display name in Profile settings
  • Your email is used for login and password recovery only

If you need to use a different email, contact support for assistance.

After email verification, what screen do I see?

After you verify your email:

  • A success message appears: "Your email has been verified!"
  • You're automatically sent to the Login screen
  • Log in with your verified email and password
  • After logging in, you'll see the "Join Organization" screen
  • Create a new organization or join an existing one to get started
💡 Tip: Keep your password safe! You'll need it every time you sign in.
Can I skip the email verification?

No, email verification is required and cannot be skipped:

  • Email verification is a security feature to protect your account
  • It proves you own the email address you provided
  • It prevents fraudulent account creation
  • Without it, your account cannot be accessed

The verification process is fast—usually just a single click on the email link.

My Terms/Privacy link says I need to click it but it won't let me sign up. What's wrong?

The signup process requires you to actively review the agreements:

  • You must CLICK (tap) the "Terms of Service" link to open it
  • After opening it, check the "I agree to Terms of Service" checkbox
  • You must CLICK (tap) the "Privacy Policy" link to open it
  • After opening it, check the "I agree to Privacy Policy" checkbox
  • Only then can you click "Sign Up"

The app requires this to ensure you've actually reviewed the documents before signing up.

🚀 Getting Started

How do I sign up?

Getting started with NextzChat is simple:

  • Open the NextzChat app on your device
  • Enter a display name (this is how other users will see you)
  • Tap "Sign In"
  • You're ready to chat! No email or password required
💡 Tip: You can change your display name anytime in your profile settings.
How do I create a group?

To create a new group:

  • Tap the "+" button in the chat list
  • Select "Create Group"
  • Enter a group name and optional description
  • Add group rules (optional) to help guide conversations
  • Tap "Create" to finish

You'll be automatically set as the group admin and can invite members to join.

How do I join a group?

To join an existing group:

  • Ask the group admin for the group ID or invitation link
  • In the app, tap "+" → "Join Group"
  • Paste the group ID and tap "Join"
  • You'll instantly appear in the group and can see chat history
💡 Tip: Admins can set whether new members see chat history or only new messages going forward.
How do I send my first message?

Once you're in a group:

  • Tap on the group from your chat list
  • Type your message in the text box at the bottom
  • Tap the send button (arrow or paper plane icon)
  • Your message appears instantly for all group members
Can I use NextzChat offline?

Yes! NextzChat supports offline functionality:

  • Messages you receive are cached locally on your device
  • You can read previous messages without internet
  • Messages you send while offline are queued and sent when you reconnect
  • The app syncs automatically once you're back online
✓ Feature: Our offline-first design means you never lose chat history or outgoing messages.

💬 Messaging Features

How do I edit a message?

To edit a message you've sent:

  • Long-press (or press and hold) the message you want to edit
  • Select "✏️ Edit" from the menu
  • Update the text and tap "Save"
  • The message will be updated for all group members
  • An "(edited)" label appears below the message so others know it was changed
💡 Tip: You can only edit your own messages, not messages from other users.
How do I delete a message?

To delete a message:

  • Long-press the message
  • Select "🗑️ Delete" from the menu
  • Confirm the deletion in the alert
  • The message will be removed from the chat for all members
⚠️ Important: Deleted messages cannot be recovered. Group admins can also delete any message in their group.
What are typing indicators?

Typing indicators show you when others are typing:

  • When someone starts typing, you'll see "Alice and Bob are typing..." at the bottom of the chat
  • This helps you know a reply is coming
  • The indicator automatically disappears 3 seconds after they stop typing
  • Works in real-time across all members in the group
✓ Feature: Typing indicators are automatic and use minimal bandwidth.
What are read receipts?

Read receipts show you who has read your messages:

  • After you send a message, it displays "✓✓ Read by X" when members view it
  • The number shows how many people have read your message
  • A message is marked as read when it becomes 50% visible on someone's screen
  • Tap the read receipt to see details about who read it and when
💡 Tip: Read receipts are automatic and help you know if your message was seen.
How do I see online status?

See who's online in a group:

  • Open the group and tap "Group Info" or the info icon
  • Look at the members list
  • 🟢 Green dot = Member is currently online
  • Gray dot = Member is offline
  • Status updates in real-time as members come online or go offline
Can I mute a user?

Yes, you can mute specific users in a group:

  • Open the member's profile from the group
  • Tap "Mute User"
  • You won't see messages or typing indicators from this user
  • To unmute, open their profile and tap "Unmute User"
💡 Tip: Muting only affects your view—other members will still see their messages.
What happened to my messages?

Messages can disappear for several reasons:

  • Auto-Delete Policy: Group admins can set a message retention policy (e.g., delete after 7 days). Old messages are automatically deleted.
  • Manual Deletion: You or a group admin deleted the message
  • Moderation: A message was removed for violating group rules
  • Sync Issues: In rare cases, messages may not sync properly—try closing and reopening the chat

Check with the group admin if you're unsure about a deleted message.

👥 Groups & Members

What are group roles?

Each member in a group has a role:

  • Admin: Can manage members, set group rules, delete messages, manage settings
  • Member: Can send and edit their own messages, see group chat history

The person who creates a group is automatically the admin. Admins can promote other members to admin if needed.

How do I manage group members?

As a group admin, you can manage members:

  • Open "Group Info" and go to "Members"
  • Tap a member to see options:
    • Promote to Admin: Give them admin permissions
    • Remove Member: Kick them from the group
  • Removed members can rejoin if they have the group ID
💡 Tip: Always keep at least one admin in the group to manage settings.
How do I change group settings?

As a group admin, you can modify group settings:

  • Open the group and tap "Group Info"
  • Edit the group name and description
  • Set or update group rules
  • Configure message retention (auto-delete) policy
  • Choose who can see chat history

All changes apply immediately to the entire group.

What are group rules?

Group rules help set expectations for member behavior:

  • Admins can create custom rules when setting up the group
  • Rules are displayed to all members in the "Group Info" section
  • Examples: "No spam", "Be respectful", "No links to external sites"
  • Rules are enforced through moderation—admins can delete messages that violate rules
💡 Tip: Clear rules help maintain a healthy and respectful group environment.
How do I leave a group?

To leave a group you're a member of:

  • Long-press the group in your chat list
  • Select "Leave Group"
  • Confirm that you want to leave
  • You'll be removed from the group immediately
⚠️ Important: If you're the only admin, assign another admin before leaving the group.
Can I delete a group?

Yes, group admins can delete a group:

  • Open the group and tap "Group Info"
  • Scroll to the bottom and select "Delete Group"
  • Confirm the deletion
  • The group and all its messages are permanently deleted
⚠️ Important: Deleting a group is permanent. This cannot be undone, and all members will lose access to the group chat history.

🔒 Privacy & Security

How are my messages protected?

Your messages have multiple layers of protection:

  • Access Control: Only members of a group can see that group's messages
  • Admins Cannot Read: Admins cannot decrypt and read your messages
  • Row-Level Security: Database rules enforce that you can only access appropriate messages
  • Encryption at Rest: Messages are encrypted when stored on our servers
✓ Feature: Your privacy is protected by design—not just policy.
What is message retention?

Message retention is an automatic deletion feature for groups:

  • How it works: Admins can set a retention period (e.g., "Keep messages for 7 days")
  • Automatic deletion: Messages older than the retention period are automatically deleted
  • Options: Keep Forever, 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days
  • What gets deleted: Message text, media files, and reactions

This helps protect privacy by removing sensitive conversations automatically.

How does automatic message deletion work?

When a retention policy is set, deletion happens in multiple ways:

  • Immediately: When the admin changes the retention policy, all older messages are deleted right away
  • Hourly: Every hour, messages that have naturally expired are automatically removed
  • On load: When you open the chat, any expired messages are cleaned up

This ensures old messages don't stay around longer than intended, even if the app isn't actively used.

What data is collected about my messages?

NextzChat analyzes messages locally on your device for features like:

  • Sentiment Analysis: Detects the emotional tone (positive, negative, neutral) for conversation statistics
  • Intent Detection: Identifies if a message is a question, greeting, statement, etc.
  • Language Detection: Recognizes which language your message is in

Privacy: All analysis happens on your phone—no data is sent to external servers. The results are only used to generate group statistics, never shared with others.

Do you collect my personal information?

NextzChat collects minimal personal information:

  • Required: Display name (for the app to work)
  • Optional: Profile picture (if you choose to upload one)
  • Automatic: Chat messages and metadata

We don't collect:

  • Your email address or phone number (unless you choose to add it)
  • Your location
  • Device identifiers or ad tracking data
  • Third-party data
✓ Feature: Minimal data collection means more privacy for you.
Can I delete my account?

Yes, you can delete your account and all associated data:

  • Open your Profile settings
  • Scroll to the bottom and tap "Delete Account"
  • Confirm the deletion
  • All your personal data, messages, and account information will be permanently deleted
⚠️ Important: Account deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed. Messages you sent may remain in group chats (shown as "Deleted User").

🏢 Organizations

What is an organization?

An organization is a container for your community, teams, or groups:

  • Organizations let you organize multiple groups under one umbrella
  • Each organization has its own set of groups, pins, sticky notes, and polls
  • Members of an organization have access to all groups within it
  • Perfect for companies, teams, clubs, or any community structure
  • You can be a member of multiple organizations
✓ Feature: Organizations let you scale from single teams to large communities.
How do I create an organization?

To create a new organization:

  • Open the app and navigate to "Join Organization"
  • Tap "Create New Organization"
  • Enter your organization name (must be unique)
  • Choose organization type:
    • 🔒 Private: Only admins can create groups, pins, and polls
    • 🌐 Public: Any member can create groups, pins, and polls
  • Tap "Create Organization"
  • You'll automatically be set as the admin
  • A "general" group is automatically created for initial conversations
💡 Tip: Choose Private if you want strict control, or Public for more flexibility.
What's the organization code and how do I use it?

The organization code is a unique 6-character code for your organization:

  • What it looks like: A6B2C9 (random letters and numbers)
  • When you get it: Automatically generated when you create an organization
  • How to use it: Share it with others to let them join your organization
  • How others join: They enter this code in "Join Organization" screen
✓ Feature: The app can auto-detect org codes from your clipboard to make joining easier!
How do I join an existing organization?

To join an organization:

  • Open the app and navigate to "Join Organization"
  • Enter the organization code (provided by admin or member)
  • Tap "Continue"
  • Select which groups within the organization you want to join
  • You can choose to:
    • Join specific groups by checking them individually
    • Join all groups at once with "Join All Groups"
  • Tap "Join" to confirm
  • You're now part of the organization!
💡 Tip: You can always join more groups later from the organization.
What are organization types (Private vs Public)?

Organizations can be set to Private or Public, which controls who can create content:

🌐 Public Organization:

  • Any member can create groups
  • Any member can create pins, sticky notes, and polls
  • Great for open communities where everyone has equal authority

🔒 Private Organization:

  • Only organization admins can create groups
  • Only organization admins can create pins, sticky notes, and polls
  • Regular members can still vote on polls and react to content
  • Great for companies or managed communities
✓ Note: In both types, ALL members can see and access all groups, pins, and polls.
How do I leave an organization?

To leave an organization:

  • Select the organization from your organization list
  • Long-press on the organization name or find the menu option
  • Select "Leave Organization"
  • Confirm that you want to leave
  • You're immediately removed from the organization
  • You lose access to all groups and content in that organization
⚠️ Important: If you're the only admin, you must promote another member to admin before leaving. Consider leaving instructions or transferring admin rights first.
Can I rejoin an organization after leaving?

Yes! You can rejoin an organization you previously left:

  • Go to "Join Organization"
  • Enter the organization code again
  • Select groups to rejoin
  • You'll be readded to the organization as a regular member

There's no penalty or waiting period—you can leave and rejoin as many times as you want.

What does an organization admin do?

Organization admins have special permissions:

  • Create Groups: Can create new groups within the organization (in private orgs)
  • Create Content: Can create pins, sticky notes, and polls (in private orgs)
  • Manage Groups: Can modify group settings and member roles
  • Moderate Content: Can delete any message, pin, sticky note, or poll
  • Manage Members: Can remove members from groups or organizations
✓ Feature: Multiple admins can manage an organization together for better governance.
How do I manage my organization's groups?

To manage groups in your organization:

  • Select your organization
  • View the list of groups
  • Create new groups:
    • Tap "+" and select "Create Group"
    • In private orgs, only admins can do this
  • Manage existing groups:
    • Long-press a group for options
    • Edit group name, description, rules
    • Manage group members
    • Delete the group (if you're the admin)
Can I switch between multiple organizations?

Yes! You can be part of multiple organizations and switch between them:

  • At the top of your chat screen, you'll see organization tabs/buttons
  • Tap on an organization name to switch to it
  • You'll see that organization's groups, pins, sticky notes, and polls
  • Switch back and forth as many times as you want
  • Each organization keeps its own separate content
💡 Tip: Perfect if you're part of your company organization AND a hobby community!
What happens when I'm added to an organization?

When you join an organization, you get access to:

  • Groups: All groups in the organization (you select which to join)
  • Pins: Can see and react to all organization pins
  • Sticky Notes: Can see and react to all sticky notes
  • Polls: Can view and vote on all active polls
  • Member List: Can see all other organization members

Your role starts as "member" unless the admin promotes you to "admin".

How do I know if an organization is public or private?

The organization type is displayed next to the organization name:

  • 🌐 Public - Any member can create content
  • 🔒 Private - Only admins can create content

This affects whether you can create groups, pins, sticky notes, and polls as a regular member.

💡 Tip: If you want to create content but the organization is private, ask an admin to promote you.

⚙️ Admin Features

What can admins do?

Group admins have special permissions to manage groups:

  • Edit group name, description, and rules
  • Manage members: promote, remove, or set permissions
  • Delete any message in the group (not just their own)
  • Set message retention policies
  • Clear all messages at once if needed
  • Delete the entire group
✓ Feature: Admin tools help keep groups organized and healthy.
How do I moderate messages?

As an admin, you can moderate message content:

  • Long-press any message (even from other members)
  • Select "Delete" to remove it
  • The message is instantly removed from the group
  • All members are notified the message was deleted
💡 Tip: Use group rules to set clear expectations about what's acceptable in your group.
How do I set a message retention policy?

To automatically delete old messages:

  • Open the group and tap "Group Info"
  • Find "Message Auto-Delete" setting
  • Choose a retention period:
    • Keep Forever (no deletion)
    • 24 hours
    • 7 days
    • 30 days
  • Tap "Save"
  • All messages older than the selected period are immediately deleted
✓ Feature: Retention policies work automatically in the background.
Can I clear all messages at once?

Yes, admins can clear all group messages:

  • Open "Group Info"
  • Scroll to the bottom and select "Clear All Messages"
  • Confirm the action
  • All messages in the group are permanently deleted
⚠️ Important: This action cannot be undone. All chat history will be lost.
How do I promote someone to admin?

To give admin permissions to another member:

  • Open "Group Info" and go to "Members"
  • Find the member you want to promote
  • Tap their name and select "Promote to Admin"
  • They now have full admin permissions
💡 Tip: Promote trusted members who will help manage the group responsibly.
Can I see group statistics?

Yes! Admins and members can view group analytics:

  • Open "Group Info" and tap "Analytics"
  • See conversation statistics including:
    • Message count and trends
    • Sentiment analysis (positive/negative/neutral tone)
    • Top contributors
    • Activity over time

This helps you understand your group's communication patterns and health.

📌 Organization Features

What are organization-level pins?

Pins are important items that stay visible in your organization:

  • Create pins to highlight important content for all organization members
  • Pins appear at the top of your organization view, separate from regular groups
  • Can contain text, titles, or images
  • Great for announcements, important links, or shared resources
  • Each pin shows who created it and when
✓ Feature: Pins stay prominent until deleted, making them perfect for ongoing information.
How do I create a pin in my organization?

To create a pin in your organization:

  • Select your organization from the list
  • Tap the "+" button to add new content
  • Select "Create Pin"
  • Enter a title and optional image/content
  • Tap "Create"
  • The pin is now visible to all members in the organization
💡 Tip: In private organizations, only admins can create pins.
Can I react to pins?

Yes! You can add emoji reactions to pins:

  • Tap on a pin to view its details
  • Tap the emoji button to add a reaction
  • Choose any emoji to express your response
  • See how many members reacted with each emoji
  • Remove your reaction by tapping it again

Reactions help gauge interest and engagement with important content.

What are sticky notes?

Sticky notes are temporary, colorful notes for your organization:

  • Create quick reminders and notes visible to all organization members
  • Choose from different colors to organize by topic or priority
  • Appear in a dedicated sticky notes section in your organization
  • Perfect for to-do lists, reminders, quick updates
  • Automatically disappear after 7 days (you can also delete manually)
✓ Feature: Unlike pins, sticky notes auto-delete to keep your organization clean.
How do I create a sticky note?

To create a sticky note in your organization:

  • Select your organization
  • Tap the "+" button
  • Select "Create Sticky Note"
  • Type your note content
  • Choose a color (yellow, pink, blue, green, etc.)
  • Tap "Create"
  • All organization members can see the note
⚠️ Important: Sticky notes automatically delete after 7 days. If you need permanent content, use a pin instead.
How do I delete a sticky note?

To manually delete a sticky note before it auto-expires:

  • Find the sticky note you want to delete
  • Long-press on the note
  • Select "Delete"
  • Confirm the deletion
  • The note is immediately removed from the organization
💡 Tip: Only the creator can delete their own notes (or organization admins).
What are polls?

Polls are a way to gather input and make group decisions:

  • Create a poll with a question and multiple choice options
  • All organization members can vote on the poll
  • See results in real-time as members vote
  • Polls are perfect for decisions, surveys, or gathering feedback
  • Polls can optionally expire after a set time
  • After expiration or deletion, poll results are archived
✓ Feature: Polls encourage participation and make decisions more democratic.
How do I create a poll?

To create a poll in your organization:

  • Select your organization
  • Tap the "+" button
  • Select "Create Poll"
  • Enter the poll question (e.g., "Which time works best for our meeting?")
  • Add poll options (one per line):
    • Option 1
    • Option 2
    • Option 3
  • Optionally set an expiration time (when voting closes)
  • Tap "Create Poll"
  • Organization members can immediately start voting
How do I vote on a poll?

To vote on a poll:

  • Open your organization and find the active poll
  • Tap the option you want to vote for
  • Your vote is recorded immediately
  • See real-time results as other members vote
  • You can change your vote by selecting a different option
  • Your name appears under the option you voted for
💡 Tip: You can change your vote as many times as you want before the poll closes.
Can I see who voted for what in a poll?

Yes, polls show transparent voting information:

  • Tap on any poll option to see who voted for it
  • See the list of voters' names for each option
  • View vote counts and percentages for each option
  • Track which members haven't voted yet

This transparency helps foster trust and engagement in your organization.

How long do polls stay active?

Polls can have different lifespans:

  • No expiration: The creator can set polls to stay open indefinitely
  • Timed expiration: Polls can be set to close after a specific time (e.g., 1 hour, 1 day)
  • Manual deletion: The creator can close a poll early
  • Once closed, members can no longer vote
  • Final results are preserved for reference
✓ Feature: Expired polls are automatically cleaned up, keeping your organization uncluttered.
Can I react to polls?

Yes! Like pins, you can react to polls with emojis:

  • Open a poll to see details
  • Tap the emoji button
  • Select an emoji to express your reaction to the poll
  • See reactions from other members
  • Remove your reaction by tapping it again

Emoji reactions on polls let members show support or sentiment about the poll itself.

Can I delete a pin, sticky note, or poll?

Yes, deletion is available:

  • Long-press on the item (pin, sticky note, or poll)
  • Select "Delete" from the menu
  • Confirm the deletion
  • The item is immediately removed

Who can delete:

  • Creator: Can always delete their own content
  • Admin: Can delete any content in their organization
  • Member: Can only delete their own content
⚠️ Important: Deleted pins, sticky notes, and polls cannot be recovered.
What are private organizations and how do they affect pins/stickies/polls?

Private organizations have restricted permissions for content creation:

  • Public Organization: Any member can create pins, sticky notes, and polls
  • Private Organization: Only organization admins can create pins, sticky notes, and polls

Who sees content:

  • All organization members (both public and private) can see all pins, sticky notes, and polls
  • All members can vote on polls and react to content with emojis
💡 Tip: Private organizations help maintain control over the type and quality of information shared.

🔐 Encryption & Data Protection

How are my messages encrypted?

Your messages are protected by multiple layers of encryption:

  • In Transit: All messages sent from your phone to our servers use HTTPS/TLS 1.3 encryption. This prevents anyone from intercepting your messages while they're being sent over the internet.
  • At Rest: Messages stored on our servers are protected by database encryption and Row-Level Security policies, ensuring only authorized group members can access them.
  • Access Control: Only members of your group can view messages in that group. Admins cannot decrypt and read your messages.
💡 Tip: Your password is handled securely by our authentication system (Supabase Auth) and is never visible to app developers.
What is HTTPS/TLS encryption?

HTTPS/TLS 1.3 is the industry standard for secure web communication:

  • HTTPS: The "S" stands for "Secure" - it's HTTP with encryption
  • TLS: Transport Layer Security is the protocol that handles the encryption
  • In Practice: When you send a message, it's encrypted before leaving your phone and remains encrypted until it reaches our secure servers
  • Protection: Even if someone intercepts the data, they cannot read your messages because they're encrypted
🔒 This is the same encryption used by banks, email services, and other apps you trust with sensitive information.
What is Row-Level Security (RLS)?

Row-Level Security is a database-level protection that ensures you can only see messages you're authorized to see:

  • How It Works: Before the database returns any messages, it checks who is requesting them
  • Group Check: Are you a member of this group? If no, the database blocks access
  • Automatic: RLS works automatically - you don't have to do anything
  • Server-Side: This protection is enforced at the database level, not just in the app
✅ Even if an attacker got database access, RLS would prevent them from viewing messages they're not authorized to see.
Is end-to-end encryption (E2EE) supported?

NextzChat uses server-side encryption with Row-Level Security rather than full end-to-end encryption:

  • Current Security: Messages are encrypted in transit (HTTPS) and protected at rest (database encryption + RLS)
  • Why: RLS provides stronger features like message search, content moderation, and admin oversight
  • Trust Model: You trust the app developers and Supabase to protect your data (same as WhatsApp, iMessage, and most messaging apps)
  • Trade-off: RLS allows better moderation and safety features, but requires trusting the service provider
🔍 Your messages can be searched, analyzed for safety, and admins can moderate content - these features require server-side access.
Can app developers read my messages?

No. Messages are protected by multiple security measures:

  • Row-Level Security: Database rules prevent unauthorized access to encrypted message content
  • Separation: App developers do not have direct database access to user messages
  • Authentication: Only authenticated users (you) can access your own data through the app
  • Encryption: Messages are encrypted - even if someone got the data, they couldn't read it without the encryption key
⚠️ However, app developers can see metadata like who sent a message and when, for system maintenance and abuse prevention.
How is my password stored and protected?

Your password is handled securely by our authentication system (Supabase Auth):

  • Never Stored in App: Your password is not stored on your phone in plain text
  • Hashing: Supabase uses industry-standard password hashing (bcrypt) which converts your password to a one-way hash
  • Verification: When you log in, your password is hashed and compared to the stored hash - they never store the original
  • Never Sent Again: After you log in, you get a session token - your password is not sent with every request
🔑 This is the same security standard used by Google, Microsoft, and other major platforms.
What about biometric (Face ID/Fingerprint) encryption?

When you enable biometric login, your credentials are encrypted using AES-256 encryption:

  • AES-256: Military-grade encryption standard used by government agencies
  • Encryption Key: Generated from your user ID and a unique salt, never stored or transmitted
  • Storage Location: Encrypted credentials stored in device's secure keystore (Keychain on iOS, Keystore on Android)
  • Device-Only: These encrypted credentials never leave your device - they're never sent to our servers
✅ Even if your phone is stolen, the encrypted credentials cannot be accessed without your biometric or device password.
How long are messages encrypted?

Messages remain encrypted for their entire lifetime on our servers:

  • When Sent: Message is encrypted in transit via HTTPS/TLS
  • At Rest: Message is stored encrypted in the database
  • When Viewed: Database decrypts (with RLS check) only for authorized users
  • When Deleted: Message is marked as deleted and eventually purged from backup systems
  • Auto-Delete: If retention policy is set, message is automatically deleted after the policy period
📌 Even message search uses encryption-aware indexing to find messages without exposing unencrypted content.
What if I think my account has been compromised?

If you suspect unauthorized access, take these steps:

  • Immediately: Change your password in Settings > Account > Change Password
  • Sessions: Go to Settings > Device Sessions and terminate any sessions you don't recognize
  • Biometric: Disable Face ID/Fingerprint in Settings > Security and re-enable it with your new password
  • Messages: All messages are still encrypted - the attacker can only see what they accessed through the app
  • Support: Contact support with details about the suspicious activity
🚨 Change your password immediately if you suspect compromise. We can help review your account activity.
How is file media (photos, videos) encrypted?

Media files use multiple layers of security:

  • Upload: Files sent via HTTPS/TLS encryption - encrypted in transit
  • Storage: Files stored in secure cloud storage with encryption at rest
  • Access Control: Signed URLs generated only for authorized users, expiring after short period
  • Scanning: Files scanned for malware and inappropriate content before storage
  • Deletion: When message is deleted, associated media files are also deleted
🛡️ Media files cannot be accessed by direct URL - you must be a group member to download.
What data is NOT encrypted?

Most data is encrypted, but some metadata is stored in plain text for system functionality:

  • Metadata (Not Encrypted): Who sent a message, when it was sent, read receipts, typing indicators, group membership
  • Reason: This metadata is needed for features like search, notifications, and group management
  • Protected: Even though not encrypted, metadata is protected by Row-Level Security - only authorized users can see it
  • Message Content: Message text IS encrypted - only metadata is in plain text
💡 Example: The database knows "Alice sent a message at 3:00 PM" but the message content itself is encrypted.

🧵 Message Threads

What are message threads?

Message threads allow you to reply to specific messages and keep conversations organized:

  • Reply to Message: Instead of just replying in the main chat, you can respond to a specific message
  • Separate Conversation: Thread replies appear in a separate view, keeping related messages together
  • Context: Each thread shows the original message and all replies to it
  • Organization: Threads help organize conversations with multiple topics happening at once
💬 Threads keep conversations organized like a tree - each branch is a separate discussion stemming from a main message.
How do I reply in a thread?

To reply to a specific message:

  1. Long Press: Hold down on any message to open the options menu
  2. Select Reply: Tap "Reply in Thread" or "Reply" option
  3. Thread View: The thread will open showing the original message and all replies
  4. Type Reply: Type your response at the bottom of the thread
  5. Send: Tap the send button to post your reply
💡 You can also swipe left on a message (on some devices) to open the quick reply option.
How can I see which messages have thread replies?

Messages with thread replies show a special indicator:

  • Thread Badge: Messages with replies show a "💬" bubble icon at the bottom
  • Reply Count: The badge shows how many replies are in that thread (e.g., "3 replies")
  • Tap to Open: Tap the badge to open the thread and see all replies
  • Quoted Message: In the main chat, you can see a quoted preview of the original message when someone replies
✅ This makes it easy to see which messages have ongoing discussions.
How do thread replies show in the main chat?

When someone replies to a message in a thread:

  • Main Chat: The original message appears in the main chat with a thread indicator (💬)
  • Replies Hidden: Individual thread replies do NOT appear as separate messages in the main chat
  • Preview Quote: You can see a preview of the original message to understand context
  • Tap to View: Tap the thread indicator to see all replies in the thread
  • Organized: This keeps the main chat clean and organized
📌 This is different from regular replies which do appear in the main chat.
Can I delete messages in a thread?

Yes, you can delete your own messages within a thread:

  • Your Messages: You can delete any message you sent in the thread
  • Other Messages: You can only delete others' messages if you're a group admin or message moderator
  • How: Long-press the message in the thread and select "Delete"
  • Permanent: Deleted messages cannot be recovered
  • Original: If you delete the original message, all replies in the thread are also deleted
🚨 Deleting the original message deletes the entire thread and all its replies.
Do thread replies count toward message retention?

Yes, thread replies follow the same retention policy as regular messages:

  • Retention Policy: If your group has a 30-day retention policy, both original messages and thread replies are deleted after 30 days
  • Auto-Delete: Thread replies are automatically deleted along with the main message when the retention period expires
  • Manual Delete: Group admins can manually delete all messages in a thread or the entire thread
  • Policy Change: If a group changes its retention policy, thread replies are affected the same as regular messages
⏰ Thread replies don't have a separate retention - they follow the group's message retention settings.
Are thread replies encrypted?

Yes, thread replies have the same encryption as regular messages:

  • Encryption in Transit: Thread replies are encrypted via HTTPS/TLS when sent from your phone
  • Encryption at Rest: Replies are stored encrypted in the database
  • Row-Level Security: Only group members can view replies in a thread
  • Access Control: Same group membership rules apply - you must be a group member to see thread replies
🔐 Thread replies are just regular messages with a "reply_to" reference, so they get the same security.
Can I receive notifications for thread replies?

Yes, you can get notifications when someone replies to your message in a thread:

  • Automatic: When someone replies to your message in a thread, you get a notification
  • Notification Content: "[User] replied to your message: '[message preview]'..."
  • Settings: Go to Settings > Notifications to enable/disable thread reply notifications
  • Mute Thread: You can mute notifications for a specific thread while keeping group notifications on
  • Badge: Unread thread replies show a badge number on the thread indicator
🔔 You'll be notified even if you're not actively reading the main chat.
Can I edit messages in a thread?

Yes, you can edit your own messages in a thread:

  • Edit Your Messages: Long-press your message and select "Edit"
  • Edit Indicator: Edited messages show an "Edited" indicator below the message
  • Edit History: Some versions show when a message was edited
  • Others' Messages: Only admins/moderators can edit other members' messages
  • Notification: Original poster and thread participants don't get notified of minor edits
✏️ You can fix typos in thread replies just like you would in the main chat.
What happens to read receipts in threads?

Read receipts work in threads just like in the main chat:

  • Read Status: Each message in a thread shows who has read it
  • Checkmarks: Single ✓ = sent, double ✓✓ = delivered, double ✓✓ (filled) = read
  • Tap for Details: Tap the checkmarks to see exactly who read the message and when
  • Disabled: If read receipts are disabled in Settings, they don't appear in threads either
  • Privacy: Read receipts respect your privacy settings across the entire app
👁️ Thread read receipts help you see who's engaged with the thread discussion.
Can I add emoji reactions in threads?

Yes, you can add emoji reactions to messages in a thread:

  • Add Reaction: Long-press a message in the thread and select "Add Reaction"
  • Choose Emoji: Pick an emoji from the emoji picker (or it opens a reaction menu)
  • View Reactions: Reactions appear below each message in the thread
  • See Who Reacted: Tap a reaction to see which users added that emoji reaction
  • Remove Reaction: Tap your own reaction to remove it
😀 Reactions are a quick way to respond without typing a full message reply.
Can I have threads within threads (nested replies)?

Thread structure is one level deep:

  • Single Level: You reply to an original message, and your reply goes into that message's thread
  • No Nesting: You cannot create a thread within a thread - all replies are at the same level
  • Flat Structure: If you reply to a thread reply, your message still goes into the same thread
  • Organization: All discussion about one message topic stays in one thread for clarity
  • Simpler: This keeps threads easier to navigate and understand
📝 This is intentional - it keeps conversation structure simple and organized.

🤖 AI Features

What AI features does NextzChat have?

NextzChat includes several intelligent AI-powered features that analyze your conversations:

🎯 Sentiment Analysis - Detects if messages are positive, negative, or neutral
📍 Intent Detection - Identifies message intent (question, statement, request, complaint, etc.)
🌍 Language Detection - Automatically recognizes the language of messages
📊 Conversation Analytics - Provides insights into conversation tone and engagement

These features work on-device and respects your privacy—no data is sent to external servers.

How does Sentiment Analysis work?

Sentiment Analysis detects the emotional tone of messages by analyzing word patterns and context:

  • Positive sentiment (😊): Messages with encouraging words like "great," "love," "amazing," "awesome"
  • Negative sentiment (😞): Messages with words like "terrible," "hate," "awful," "frustrated"
  • Neutral sentiment (😐): Messages that don't express clear emotion
  • Mixed sentiment (🤔): Messages containing both positive and negative emotions

Each analysis includes a confidence score (0-1) indicating how certain the AI is about the sentiment.

💡 Sentiment badges appear below messages to help you understand the emotional tone at a glance.
What is Intent Detection?

Intent Detection identifies what a message is trying to accomplish. It recognizes types like:

  • ❓ Question: "What time is the meeting?" or "Do we need anything?"
  • 💬 Statement: "I'm working on the project" or "The weather is nice today"
  • 🎯 Request: "Can you send me the file?" or "Please review this"
  • 👋 Greeting: "Hey everyone!" or "Good morning!"
  • 👋 Farewell: "See you later!" or "Goodbye!"
  • 😤 Complaint: "This isn't working!" or "I'm frustrated with this"
  • 😊 Opinion: "I think we should..." or "In my opinion..."
  • 🎉 Announcement: "Everyone, please read this!" or "Important update"

This helps organize conversations and understand communication patterns in your group.

How does Language Detection work?

Language Detection automatically recognizes the language of messages by analyzing character patterns and common words. It supports:

  • 🇬🇧 English
  • 🇪🇸 Spanish
  • 🇫🇷 French
  • 🇩🇪 German
  • 🇮🇹 Italian
  • 🇵🇹 Portuguese
  • 🇷🇺 Russian
  • 🇯🇵 Japanese
  • 🇨🇳 Chinese
  • 🇸🇦 Arabic
  • 🇮🇳 Hindi

Each detection includes a confidence level (0-1) and a country flag emoji for quick visual identification.

💡 Language badges appear below messages to help multilingual groups identify content language instantly.
What is Conversation Analytics?

Conversation Analytics provides insights into your group's communication patterns by analyzing all messages:

  • Conversation Tone: Overall sentiment of the group (positive, neutral, negative, mixed)
  • Engagement Level: How active the conversation is (low, medium, high)
  • Sentiment Distribution: Breakdown of positive, negative, and neutral messages
  • Intent Distribution: Types of messages being sent (questions, statements, requests, etc.)
  • Topic Cloud: Most frequently mentioned keywords
  • Questions Asked: Count of question-type messages
  • Answers Provided: Count of answer-type messages
📊 Use Cases: Track group health, identify support needs, monitor engagement, understand communication style
Can I turn off AI features?

Yes! You can control AI features through your privacy settings:

  1. Go to Settings in the app
  2. Select Privacy & Security
  3. Find AI Analysis Features
  4. Toggle off any features you don't want to use
  • Sentiment Analysis: Disable to hide emotion detection badges
  • Intent Detection: Disable to hide message type badges
  • Language Detection: Disable to hide language identification
  • Cloud AI: Disable to use only on-device analysis (faster, no cloud processing)
💡 Disabling AI features only affects what's displayed to you—other users' settings are independent.
Is AI analysis private and secure?

Yes, AI analysis is designed with privacy as a priority:

On-Device Processing: Most analysis happens locally on your phone—no cloud transmission required
No Data Storage: Analysis results are not permanently stored on servers; they're displayed in real-time only
Optional Cloud AI: Advanced cloud-based analysis (Ollama) is optional and requires your explicit permission
End-to-End Encryption: Messages remain encrypted before AI analysis—the AI never sees raw encrypted content
  • AI analysis processes only the decrypted text in your local app instance
  • Analysis badges are generated locally, not stored in the database
  • You can disable all AI features anytime in privacy settings
🔒 Your privacy is paramount—AI features are tools to enhance your experience, not to monitor your data.
How accurate is the AI analysis?

AI analysis accuracy varies by feature and context:

  • Sentiment Analysis: 85-95% accurate on typical messages, lower on sarcasm or mixed emotions
  • Intent Detection: 80-90% accurate for clear intents, variable for ambiguous messages
  • Language Detection: 95%+ accurate for pure-language messages, lower for mixed-language content

Accuracy depends on:

  • Message clarity: Clear, straightforward messages are easier to analyze
  • Sarcasm & humor: Jokes and sarcasm can confuse sentiment detection
  • Mixed content: Messages mixing multiple languages or emotions are harder to classify
  • Abbreviations: Text-speak and abbreviations may affect accuracy
💡 AI badges are suggestions, not facts. Use them as guides, not absolute truths. Always consider the full context.
Can I use AI analysis for moderation?

AI analysis can help moderators identify problem messages:

  • Negative sentiment spikes: Detect when conversations become hostile
  • Complaint detection: Identify complaint-type messages that need follow-up
  • Spam patterns: Repetitive announcement-type messages might indicate spam
  • Engagement monitoring: Track if a group's tone is becoming toxic

However, AI analysis should not be the only moderation tool:

  • Always review actual message content—don't rely only on AI badges
  • False positives happen—sarcasm or dark humor can be misclassified
  • Combine AI analysis with group rules and human judgment
  • Use analysis trends over time, not individual messages
⚠️ Never moderate based solely on AI analysis. Always consider context and give users a chance to explain.
What is Ollama and how is it used?

Ollama is an optional local AI model that can enhance NextzChat's analysis capabilities:

  • What it is: A local, open-source language model that runs on your device or network
  • How it helps: Provides more sophisticated AI analysis for sentiment, intent, and language detection
  • Privacy: Runs locally or on your private infrastructure—no data goes to external AI services
  • Optional: Completely optional; the app works perfectly without it
  • Advanced users: Developers and power users can install Ollama for enhanced features
Advantages: Better accuracy, complete privacy, no API costs, full control
  • If Ollama is not available, NextzChat automatically falls back to on-device analysis
  • Users don't need to install anything—it's optional for advanced setup only
  • Cloud AI services are also optional for users who want them
Do AI features work offline?

Yes! Most AI features work offline:

  • On-device analysis works offline: Sentiment, intent, and language detection work without internet
  • Cloud AI requires internet: Ollama and advanced cloud features need an internet connection
  • Automatic fallback: If you lose connection, the app automatically uses on-device analysis

Your analysis results are stored locally and won't disappear when offline. When you reconnect:

  • The app syncs new messages with their analysis
  • Any cloud AI upgrades process when connection is restored
  • Analysis badges appear automatically as messages load
💡 Use NextzChat offline for messaging, then AI features update their badges when you reconnect.
How can I improve AI analysis accuracy?

Here are tips to get better AI analysis results:

  • Write clearly: Use complete sentences and standard spelling for better sentiment detection
  • Avoid sarcasm in critical messages: AI struggles with sarcasm—be direct for important feedback
  • Use single languages per message: Mixing languages lowers detection accuracy
  • Include context: Longer messages with context are easier to analyze accurately
  • Be specific with intent: "Can you review this?" is clearer than "What do you think?"

For group admins:

  • Set clear communication guidelines for your group
  • Encourage members to be explicit about intent (use "Question:" or "Request:" prefixes if needed)
  • Review and trust the AI analysis trends, not individual predictions
💡 AI analysis improves over time as the system learns your group's communication style.

🚫 Moderation & Profanity

What is moderation in NextzChat?

Moderation is NextzChat's system to keep communities safe and respectful by filtering harmful content:

🚫 Automated Detection - AI and rules detect profanity, spam, and violations before or during posting
⚠️ Warnings - Users are warned about rule violations and can edit or confirm sending
🔒 Blocking - Severe violations (threats, hate speech) are blocked and not delivered
📋 Group Rules - Group admins can customize moderation rules for their community
💡 Moderation respects free speech—it flags problems without silencing users. Most violations just get a warning.
How does profanity filtering work?

NextzChat uses intelligent profanity detection with multiple layers:

  • Token-based matching: Detects exact offensive words, not substring matches (so "hello" won't match "hell")
  • Fuzzy matching: For longer words (4+ characters), allows minor typos using Levenshtein distance
  • Context awareness: Avoids false positives in jokes or historical discussions
  • User control: Users see what word triggered the filter and can edit or send anyway

What happens when profanity is detected:

  • If "No Profanity" rule is enabled in the group: ⚠️ User gets a warning
  • Warning shows the specific word detected (e.g., "Your message contains profanity: damn")
  • User can edit the message or send it anyway
  • No automatic censoring—profanity is never censored or hidden from the sender
⚠️ Group admins set the rules. Different groups may have different profanity policies.
What content gets flagged?

NextzChat's moderation system flags several types of content:

  • 🔴 Hate speech & threats - Language targeting protected groups or threatening violence
  • 🟠 Harassment & abuse - Direct insults, bullying, or targeted attacks on individuals
  • 🟡 Profanity - Offensive or vulgar language (if group rule enabled)
  • 📬 Spam - Repeated characters, excessive punctuation, or flooding
  • 🔗 Links - URLs and web addresses (if group rule enabled)
  • @️ Mentions - @username tags (if group rule enabled)
  • 📊 PII - Personal information like emails or phone numbers
  • 🎯 Custom violations - Anything against your group's specific rules

Not all flagged content is blocked—most get warnings allowing users to revise.

Who can see flagged messages?

Flagged messages are handled based on the flag type and severity:

  • 🟡 Warnings (low severity):
    • Message is sent to the group
    • All group members see it normally
    • Only the sender sees the warning dialog
    • Example: Profanity, links, or spam (if not blocked)
  • 🔴 Blocks (high severity):
    • Message is NOT delivered to the group
    • Only the sender sees it in their chat (grayed out or marked as blocked)
    • Group members never see the message
    • Example: Threats, hate speech, or severe harassment
  • 👨‍⚖️ Administrators:
    • Group admins can see a moderation log/dashboard (if enabled)
    • Admins see flagged messages for review and appeal handling
    • Admins can override decisions if needed
💡 Messages flagged as warnings are still visible—only blocks prevent delivery.
How does spam protection work?

NextzChat includes automated spam detection to prevent flooding and abuse:

  • Repeated characters: Detects "Hellooooooo" or "!!!!!!!" (5+ repetitions)
  • Excessive punctuation: Flags messages with too many ?! marks (more than 5)
  • ALL CAPS spam: Detects when more than 60% of message is uppercase (on messages longer than 10 characters)
  • Repeated messages: Can flag if same message sent multiple times within seconds
  • Rate limiting: Some groups may limit max messages per user in time windows

User experience:

  • Spam typically triggers a warning, not a block
  • Users are shown the specific spam reason (e.g., "Excessive capital letters")
  • Users can edit the message or send anyway
  • Group admins can customize spam sensitivity
Why spam matters: Spam ruins conversation quality and creates a negative experience for everyone.
What are Group Rules?

Group Rules are customizable moderation settings that admins enable for their group:

  • 🔴 No Profanity: Block offensive language (admin-configurable word list)
  • 🔗 No Links: Prevent URL sharing (block http://, https://, www., ftp://)
  • @️ No Mentions: Disable @username tags (@John, @Sarah, etc.)
  • 📢 No Spam: Flag excessive punctuation, caps, or repeated characters
  • 💬 Message Rate Limit: Max messages per user in a time window
  • 🎯 Topic Requirement: Messages must contain certain keywords

How to check your group's rules:

  1. Open your group
  2. Tap the group name to open Group Info
  3. Select "Group Rules & Moderation"
  4. See which rules are enabled
💡 Only group admins can change rules. If you disagree with rules, ask your admin!
Can I appeal a blocked message?

Yes! If you think a message was blocked incorrectly:

  1. In the chat, find the blocked message (it appears grayed out or marked as blocked)
  2. Tap and hold on the message
  3. Select "Appeal Block" or "Request Review"
  4. Explain why you think the block was a mistake
  5. Submit your appeal

What happens next:

  • Group admins receive your appeal notification
  • Admins review the message and your explanation
  • You get notified of the decision (usually within 24 hours)
  • If approved, the message is delivered to the group
  • Common false positives: Sarcasm, jokes, or context that the AI misunderstood
  • Don't reword and resend: This might count as spam—use the appeal system instead
⚠️ Don't abuse the appeal system. Repeated false appeals may restrict your ability to appeal.
What's the difference between warnings and blocks?

Moderation flags come in two main categories:

⚠️ Warnings 🔴 Blocks
Message IS sent to group Message NOT sent to group
Everyone sees it normally Only sender sees it (grayed out)
Sender gets warning dialog Sender can appeal the block
Can edit or send anyway Cannot send—must appeal or rephrase completely
Examples: Profanity, links, spam Examples: Threats, hate speech, harassment

Severity levels:

  • 🟢 Low: Simple warnings like profanity or links
  • 🟡 Medium: Harassment or targeted abuse
  • 🔴 High: Threats, hate speech, or illegal content
Is moderation biased or unfair?

Moderation systems are imperfect, but NextzChat has safeguards:

False positives are prioritized: Better to let something through than wrongly block it
Human review: Blocks trigger admin notification for human verification
Appeal mechanism: Users can appeal and explain context
Transparency: Users see exactly what triggered a flag (the specific word or reason)
  • Sarcasm & humor: Automated systems struggle with jokes and sarcasm—appeals help
  • Context matters: "This is hell" (complaint) vs. "Go to hell" (insult) should be treated differently
  • Marginalized communities: Be aware that some moderation catches reclaimed slurs—use appeals if your group uses different language norms
💡 If you feel wrongly moderated, appeal! Group admins have the final say and can override decisions.
Can admins turn off moderation?

Admins have significant control over moderation settings:

  • Disable specific rules: Turn off "No Profanity," "No Links," etc. individually
  • Customize profanity lists: Add or remove words from the banned words list
  • Adjust sensitivity: Set thresholds for what counts as spam (different tolerance per group)
  • Override decisions: If a message was blocked, admins can manually deliver it

However, some moderation cannot be disabled:

  • Illegal content: Threats, hate speech - enforced at platform level
  • PII detection: Email/phone patterns are always flagged for safety
  • AI moderation: Background ML-based checks cannot be fully disabled
⚠️ Some moderation is non-optional for legal and safety reasons. Groups cannot become completely unmoderated.
How do I report harmful messages or users?

If you see a message that violates community standards:

  1. Long-press on the message
  2. Tap "Report Message"
  3. Select the reason:
    • 🚫 Spam or abuse
    • 🔞 Inappropriate content
    • 😠 Harassment or bullying
    • ⚠️ Dangerous or illegal content
    • ❌ Violates group rules
  4. Optionally add a comment explaining
  5. Submit the report

What happens:

  • Group admins receive your report
  • The message is flagged in the moderation dashboard
  • Admins review and decide action (delete, warn, block user, etc.)
  • You may get notified of the outcome
  • Don't abuse reports: False reports may affect your account
  • Evidence matters: Clear descriptions help admins decide faster
  • Multiple reports: If many people report the same message, it gets priority
💡 Reporting escalates to human review—not automatic blocking. Admins have the final decision.
What if I keep getting warnings?

Getting repeated warnings might indicate a pattern:

  • Check group rules: Make sure you understand what's not allowed
  • Adjust your language: Be more mindful of profanity or tone
  • Avoid spam patterns: Don't use excessive punctuation or repeated characters
  • Follow the guidelines: Obey rules about links, mentions, and topics

Possible outcomes of repeated violations:

  • First/second: Warning (message sent anyway)
  • Third/fourth: Block or admin warning message
  • Persistent: Admin may mute or temporarily remove you from group
  • Extreme: Admin may permanently ban from group

Talk to your admin:

  • If warnings seem unfair, message the group admin
  • Explain your perspective (e.g., "I was joking," "I didn't know that was against rules")
  • Ask for clarification on rules
  • Request a second chance
💡 Admins are reasonable and want everyone to enjoy the group. Most will work with you if you're respectful.

🔧 Troubleshooting

Messages are not loading. What should I do?

If messages don't appear in your chat:

  • Check your connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection
  • Refresh the chat: Pull down to refresh or close and reopen the app
  • Check sync: Wait a few seconds—messages sync in real-time
  • Offline mode: If offline, messages will load when you reconnect
  • Restart the app: Close completely and open again

If the problem persists, contact support with details about which group and when the issue occurred.

My message says "Sending..." but won't send

If a message is stuck in "Sending..." state:

  • Check your connection: Make sure you're connected to internet
  • Wait a moment: The app will automatically retry
  • Refresh: Pull down to refresh the chat
  • Restart app: Close and reopen the app completely
  • Offline queue: The message is saved locally and will send when you're online
✓ Feature: Unsent messages are queued and will automatically send when you reconnect.
I can't see the typing indicator

If you're not seeing when others are typing:

  • Check your internet: Real-time features need a stable connection
  • Refresh the chat: Pull down to refresh
  • Restart: Close and reopen the app
  • Wait 3 seconds: Typing indicators auto-clear after 3 seconds of inactivity

Typing indicators work when at least one group member is actively typing.

Can't see read receipts on my messages

If read receipts aren't showing:

  • Wait a moment: Messages are marked as read when 50% visible on screen
  • Scroll down: Make sure messages are actually visible
  • Check group members: Only active group members can read messages
  • Refresh: Pull down to reload

Read receipts update in real-time as members view messages.

I'm not getting notifications

If you're missing notifications:

  • Check settings: Open the app Settings → Notifications
  • Verify app is allowed: Check your device's notification settings for NextzChat
  • Volume on: Ensure your device isn't on silent/mute
  • For Android: Check App Settings → Notifications → NextzChat is enabled
  • For iOS: Check Settings → Notifications → NextzChat → Allow Notifications
  • Restart: Close the app completely and reopen
The app keeps crashing

If NextzChat keeps crashing:

  • Update the app: Check your app store for updates
  • Restart your device: Power off and on
  • Clear cache: Go to device settings → Apps → Community Chat → Storage → Clear Cache
  • Reinstall: Uninstall and reinstall the app (you won't lose messages)
  • Check storage: Ensure you have enough free space on your device
⚠️ Note: Don't clear app data unless you want to log out. Clear cache is safer.
How do I contact support?

For technical issues or questions:

  • Check this Help Center first—your question might already be answered
  • Check group rules—your group admin may have specific guidelines
  • Email us with:
    • A clear description of the issue
    • Your display name
    • The group ID (if issue is group-related)
    • When the problem started
    • Your device type and app version

We typically respond within 24 hours.