Pasaj is designed to start a chat via a specific flow only.
🚫 You cannot search for a user and start a conversation directly. There is no “New Message” button. All chats are tied to a specific book and a specific swap proposal.
How Chats Are Created
A chat is automatically created only when all of the following conditions are met:
- A swap proposal is sent or received.
- One of the users accepts the proposal.
- Both users are officially matched for that specific book.
Until a proposal is accepted, no chat exists between the two users.
This ensures that every conversation in Pasaj is directly related to an actual book exchange nearby and not random messaging.
You Cannot Start a Chat Manually
It is not possible to:
- Search for a user and send them a message.
- Tap any button in user interface at any page to start a conversation.
- Initiate a chat without a proposal.
The story always begins with a proposal. To start a chat, you must have at least one active incoming or active outgoing proposal for at least one of your active books listed under My Books 
.
How to Access Active Proposals
To preview active incoming or outgoing proposals:
- Go to My Books
- Select the book you want to review.
- Tap View Proposals.
- Switch to the Active tab.
The Active tab lists all active incoming 
and outgoing 
proposals for that specific book.
There is no global proposals page. Proposals are always managed at book level.
Starting a Chat from an Incoming Proposal
Incoming proposals are marked with a left arrow icon.
Each incoming proposal contains two buttons:
- Decline
- Let’s Swap
If you tap Let’s Swap, the proposal is accepted and a chat is immediately initiated for that book. 🎉
⚠️ This does not complete the swap yet. You still need to confirm the swap in the chat after you actually meet and exchange books or decide another way to complete the swap.
From that moment, you and the other user can communicate directly within the chat. This is the only way you can actively trigger a chat yourself.
Starting a Chat from an Outgoing Proposal
Outgoing proposals are marked with a right arrow icon.
Each outgoing proposal contains only one button:
- Withdraw
You cannot start a chat from an outgoing proposal unless the other user accepts it.
If the other user taps Let’s Swap on your outgoing proposal:
- The proposal becomes accepted.
- A chat is automatically initiated.
- You will receive a push notification informing you that the proposal has been accepted and the chat has started.
Chat Notifications
Whenever:
- A new chat is initiated.
- A new message is received.
- The other party confirms or withdraws the swap.
The Chat icon inside the app will display a notification badge 
This helps you quickly identify new activity related to your book swap or exchange books nearby.
All chats are directly connected to a confirmed match, ensuring conversations are meaningful and tied to real swap books nearby activity.
Need Help?
If you need further assistance, have additional questions, or want to share feedback or a product idea, please join us in live chat right now by tapping the button in the bottom right corner of this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start a chat manually in Pasaj?
No. You cannot search for a user or tap a “New Message” button to start a conversation. All chats are tied to a specific book and an accepted swap proposal.
Is there a “New Message” button in Pasaj?
No. Pasaj does not provide a “New Message” option. Chats are created only through the proposal process.
How is a chat created in Pasaj?
A chat is automatically created when a swap proposal is sent or received, one of the users accepts it, and both users are officially matched for that specific book.
Does a chat exist before a proposal is accepted?
No. Until a proposal is accepted, no chat exists between the two users.
Why can’t I message another user directly?
Pasaj ensures that every conversation is directly related to a real book exchange, so messaging is only available after a confirmed proposal match.
What do I need before I can start a chat?
You must have at least one active incoming or outgoing proposal for one of your active books listed under My Books.
How do I view my active proposals?
Go to My Books, select the relevant book, tap View Proposals, and switch to the Active tab.
Is there a global proposals page?
No. Proposals are always managed at the book level.
How do I start a chat from an incoming proposal?
Open the incoming proposal under the Active tab and tap Let’s Swap to accept it. The chat will be initiated immediately.
Does tapping “Let’s Swap” complete the swap?
No. It only accepts the proposal and starts the chat. The swap must still be confirmed later.
What happens after I tap “Let’s Swap” on an incoming proposal?
The proposal is accepted, a chat is automatically created, and both users can begin communicating.
Can I start a chat from an outgoing proposal?
No. You cannot start a chat from an outgoing proposal unless the other user accepts it.
What happens if the other user accepts my outgoing proposal?
The proposal becomes accepted, a chat is automatically initiated, and you receive a push notification.
What button appears on outgoing proposals?
Outgoing proposals show only the Withdraw button until the other user accepts.
What notification do I receive when a chat starts?
You receive a push notification informing you that the proposal has been accepted and the chat has started.
When does the chat icon show a notification badge?
The chat icon displays a badge when a new chat is initiated, a new message is received, or the other party confirms or withdraws the swap.
Can I initiate a chat without having any active books?
No. You must have at least one active book listed under My Books and be involved in an active proposal.
Why are chats restricted to accepted proposals only?
This ensures that conversations are meaningful and directly connected to confirmed book swap activity rather than random messaging.