Help and FAQ
Everything people ask about Chatroom.
What is Chatroom?
Chatroom is a free chat site for New Zealand that looks and feels like the instant messengers of the early 2000s: a contact list with status orbs and personal messages, chat rooms, private conversations, nudges, emoticons, group chats and sign-in sounds. It runs in your web browser on a computer or phone.
Is it really free?
Yes. Signing up is free, and so are the chat rooms, private messages, nudges, emoticons and group chats. Premium is an optional extra that adds your own display picture, unlimited contacts and the Premium lounges. Everyone who joins now gets 3 months of Premium free.
What does Premium add?
Three things: upload your own photo as your display picture (free members choose from the classic illustrations), unlimited contacts (free members can have up to 5), and the Premium lounges. Premium members also get a little gold star by their name.
How much will Premium cost?
Paid Premium is coming soon, and the price will be on this site before anything changes. Until then, everyone who signs up gets 3 months of Premium free, so you can try it all out. Nobody is ever charged automatically: you'll choose whether to pay.
What happens when my free Premium ends?
Your account stays free and nothing is deleted. Contacts you already have stay on your list (you just can't add more once you're over 5), your photo is swapped for your illustration until you renew, and the Premium lounges lock.
Is this MSN Messenger?
No. Chatroom is an independent New Zealand site that brings back the look and feel of early-2000s instant messaging. It isn't affiliated with Microsoft, MSN or Windows Live Messenger, and all of our artwork and sounds are original.
Do I need to download anything?
No. Chatroom runs in your browser on a computer, tablet or phone. On a phone you can add it to your home screen for an app-like icon.
Who can join?
Adults 18 and over. The rooms are New Zealand–themed, but anyone 18+ who follows the community rules is welcome.
Are there adult rooms?
There are a few optional R18 rooms for adult conversation. They're switched off for every member and don't appear until you switch R18 on yourself in Options. Photos in private messages work only between contacts who allow them and delete themselves after 7 days.
Can I chat with a group of people?
Yes. Start a group chat with any of your contacts, up to 20 people. Invitations have to be accepted, newcomers only see messages from after they join, and anyone can leave at any time. For bigger crowds there are the chat rooms.
Can I use my own photo and name?
Pick a display name (change it any time) and change your username once every 30 days. Free members choose a display picture from our classic illustrations; Premium members can upload their own photo. Photos are only visible to signed-in members and are checked by a moderator first.
Who can see my details?
Other members see your username, display picture and the short "about me" card you choose to fill in. Your email and date of birth are never shown, only your age. Only contacts you've accepted can see whether you're online, and you can appear offline any time. Nothing inside the members' area is shown to search engines.
How do I report someone?
Click any name, message or photo and choose Report. Anyone, member or not, can also use our complaints page. Anything involving someone who may be under 18, non-consensual images or illegal content is dealt with within 48 hours.
Can I delete my account?
Yes, any time, from Options. It removes your profile, contacts, photos and the messages you've sent.
Ready to sign in like it's 2004?
Free to join: chat rooms, a contact list, nudges, emoticons and sign-in sounds. Join now and get 3 months of Premium free.