Chats: the complete guide
Everything about one-to-one chats on BharatCall: starting a chat, Global vs Private, messages that delete themselves, files, polls, calls and staying safe.
1Start a chat
- Open Chats.
- Search for a person by name or username, or open someone's profile and tap Message.
- Type your message and send.
Your chats list shows unread counts, who's online and when people were last seen.
2Global and Private chats
Every new chat starts as a Global chat: you can talk, but mobile numbers stay hidden.
When you both want to share numbers, tap Go Private. The other person gets a request; once they accept, the chat becomes Private and you can see each other's mobile numbers.
Nobody sees your number unless you both agree.
3Messages that delete themselves
Chats can delete messages automatically after a time you choose.
- The default is 24 hours.
- You can pick any time up to 30 days, or turn it off (keep messages).
Change it from the chat's menu. Anyone in the chat can change it, and the new time applies to the chat.
4Text, photos, videos, files and voice notes
- Tap the attachment button for photos, videos and files, up to 100 MB each.
- Hold the mic button to record a voice note.
- Send GIFs and stickers from the emoji panel.
- Reply to a specific message to quote it.
5Edit or delete a message
- Edit a text message within 5 minutes of sending it. Photos, files, polls and events can't be edited.
- Delete your own messages any time; they show as deleted for everyone.
- In groups, admins can delete members' messages.
6Polls, events, contacts and products
From the attachment menu you can send:
- Polls: people vote and see results live
- Events: a date, time and place; people answer Going / Maybe / Not going
- Contacts: share someone's contact card
- Products: share an item with a photo and price, for small businesses
7Quick replies and auto-reply
- Quick replies: save answers you send often, then insert them with one tap.
- Auto-reply: when you're busy, BharatCall can answer for you. Choose only when I'm offline or always, and private chats only or all chats.
8BharatCall AI in chats
Tap the AI button in a chat to get suggested replies or help writing. You can add your own AI provider in Settings > AI Providers.
9Voice and video calls
Tap the phone or camera button at the top of a chat. Allow camera and microphone the first time.
Missed and finished calls appear in the chat. Settings > Call Privacy controls who can call you.
10Status updates
Share a photo, a video (up to 3 minutes) or coloured text as your Status. It disappears after 24 hours.
Friends can react and comment, and you can see who viewed it.
11Block and stay safe
- Open the chat menu and tap Block to stop someone messaging you. You can unblock later.
- Report abusive messages or accounts; see Report a post, comment, user or group.
- BharatCall staff never ask for your password, PIN or codes.