# MessageSystem

Renders `system` type messages inside [`MessageList`](/chat/docs/sdk/react-native/v8/ui-components/message-list/). This is the default component for the [`MessageSystem`](/chat/docs/sdk/react-native/v8/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

### `formatDate`

Format function for dates in message status and deleted message components.

| Type     |
| -------- |
| function |

| Parameter | Description                                                                                                                                                    |
| --------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| date      | date to format provided as a string, [Date](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Reference/Global_Objects/Date), or number (Unix Timestamp) |

### `message`

Message object.

| Type           |
| -------------- |
| `Message` type |



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This page was last updated at 2026-04-17T17:33:44.696Z.

For the most recent version of this documentation, visit [https://getstream.io/chat/docs/sdk/react-native/v8/ui-components/message-system/](https://getstream.io/chat/docs/sdk/react-native/v8/ui-components/message-system/).