Chat in Brella runs over a live connection to Brella's own servers. Most chat problems have one of two causes: a setting that hides or disables the chat, or a network that blocks the live connection.

The Chat button is missing on a person's profile
The organizer has turned off chat for this event, or there is already a chat request between you that has not been answered. You can still send a meeting request from their profile. If the profile shows Start networking instead, you skipped networking when you joined; select it and complete your event profile.

"{Name} is not available for networking"
The other person has not set up networking, or the organizer's settings do not allow requests between your lists. You can't chat with them until that changes.

The Networking tab is missing
Networking is off for your ticket or attendance type. The app shows Networking settings changed with the text "Networking has been disabled for your ticket or attendance type. If this is an error please contact the event organizers." Contact the organizer.

Networking shows "Start networking" instead of your chats
You skipped networking when you joined the event. Select Start networking and complete your event profile. Your chats and meetings appear after that.

A chat is missing from the list
You hid it. Open Networking and select the Hidden filter. Press and hold the chat (mobile app) or right-click it (web app, wide window) and select Unhide & Unmute. The app shows "Chat unhidden". Hidden chats also send no push notifications.

You blocked the person
Blocking hides your chats with that person. Open Account > Blocked users and select the trash icon next to their name to unblock. The chats come back.

"You seem to be offline" (above the message box)
Your device has no internet connection. The chat shows Checking connection... while it reconnects. Reconnect to Wi-Fi or mobile data.

"Message failed to send" (press and hold or right-click the message)
The message did not reach the server within 2 minutes, or the server rejected it. Check your connection, then select Retry on the message.

Messages arrive only after you reload
The live connection is blocked but normal web traffic works. Open Account > Troubleshoot and check Internet connection. The text "New messages and updates may not appear until you refresh" confirms it. This happens on networks or VPNs that block WebSocket connections.

Ask your IT team to allow these on port 443:

If your event has its own branded app, its web address also ends in .brella.io. Brella does not use Sendbird or any other third-party chat service. The full list of addresses is in Network and firewall requirements.

Try your mobile hotspot or another network to confirm the cause before contacting IT.