# MessageSystem

Renders `system` type messages inside [`MessageList`](/chat/docs/sdk/react-native/ui-components/message-list/). This is the default component for the [`MessageSystem`](/chat/docs/sdk/react-native/core-components/channel#messagesystem/) prop.

System messages inform users about channel changes. They are part of message history and use `type: "system"`. Common scenarios:

- [A user gets added to or removed from channel](/chat/docs/javascript/channel_members/)
- [A user accepts invite to join a channel](/chat/docs/javascript/channel_invites/#accepting-an-invite/)
- [Channel is updated](<https:/getstream.io/chat/docs/javascript/channel_update/#full-update-(overwrite)>)

## Best Practices

- Keep system messages distinct but unobtrusive.
- Use `formatDate` to keep timestamps consistent with other messages.
- Avoid mixing system messages with user content styling.
- Don't allow reactions or edits on system messages.
- Ensure system messages are localized where possible.

## Props

| Prop         | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | Type           |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------- |
| `formatDate` | Format function for dates in message status and deleted message components. Accepts a `date` parameter provided as a string, [Date](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Date), or number (Unix Timestamp). | `function`     |
| `message`    | Message object.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         | `Message` type |


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This page was last updated at 2026-05-19T13:19:37.849Z.

For the most recent version of this documentation, visit [https://getstream.io/chat/docs/sdk/react-native/ui-components/message-system/](https://getstream.io/chat/docs/sdk/react-native/ui-components/message-system/).