A chat request is how you start a conversation with someone you're not already friends with on Couchsurfing. It gives them a chance to check out your profile and decide if they'd like to connect before the conversation opens up.
How Do I Send a Chat Request?
You can send one directly from any member's profile.
On mobile:
- Open the member's profile
- Tap Message
- Write your opening message and tap Send
On the web:
- Open the member's profile
- Click Message
- Write your opening message and click Send
Once sent, the conversation stays on hold until they accept. You can only send one message as part of a chat request, so make it count. A thoughtful, specific opener goes a long way.
How Do I View and Respond to Chat Requests?
On mobile:
- Tap Chat
in the bottom navigation bar
- Tap Requests at the top of the screen
On the web:
- Click Chat
- Click Requests at the top of the screen
Your requests are organized into three tabs: All (sent and received), Received (requests from others), and Sent (requests you've sent). From the Received tab, you can accept or decline incoming requests.
How Do I Chat With Someone Who Isn't on Couchsurfing?
Want to loop in a travel buddy who isn't on Couchsurfing yet? You can invite them into a group chat by sharing a link.
On mobile:
- Tap Chat
- Tap + New
- Select People outside of Couchsurfing
- Select at least one friend who is on Couchsurfing
- Start the chat
On the web:
- Click Chat
- Click + New Chat
- Select People outside of Couchsurfing
- Select at least one friend who is on Couchsurfing
- Start the chat
Once the chat is created, a box will pop up with a link to share with your contact. Copy it and send it their way. It takes a moment for them to get in, and then you're all in the same conversation.
One Thing to Know: Sharing a chat link gives the recipient access to the full conversation history, including everything discussed before they joined.
A Couple Things to Know:
- You can only have one open chat request or stay request active at a time
- If someone dismisses your friend request, you can still reach them via a chat request
- If your chat request is connected to a stay request, the chat must be accepted before the stay request can move forward
- The same rules apply for chat requests sent to members who are currently on a Hangout
Need more help? Get in touch. You can also reach us anytime through Settings → Contact Support.