Roblox opens testing for required TextChatService migration
Roblox has opened testing for native TextChatService changes required by May 2027. Test custom chat now and audit text inputs for compliance.
Roblox has opened opt-in testing for a TextChatService update that moves message rendering into native systems and removes script access to message content. The October 21, 2026 announcement sets May 2027 as the required migration date for custom chat in new and existing games. Roblox says games using unmodified default chat need no action.
What custom chat must change
According to Roblox, custom interfaces must move to TextChannelWindow, presets to Quick Words, commands to TextChatCommands, and moderation to read-only access. Native prefix support is planned for Early Feb 2027. Under the update, affected APIs return an empty string rather than nil and produce an output warning. Scripts lose message text, but still retain metadata such as message IDs and sender identity.
Automatic opt-in for all new and existing games is scheduled for Feb 2027, initially with an opt-out. The API table says developers can disable the update before March 2027; the required custom-chat migration remains May 2027. Our recommendation is to plan around those separate milestones rather than assume testing can be deferred until the final deadline.
Test dependencies and audit inputs
We'd start by enabling TextChatService.PlatformIntegratedChat in a test place this week. Check custom windows, commands, prefixes, presets, and moderation workflows. Record where empty message values break behavior, then report missing native capabilities before committing the migration to production.
Separately, Roblox reiterates that user conversations must already use TextChatService. Non-chat text inputs, including signs and bulletin boards, need at least 1 minute between submissions to prevent conversations. Admin messaging features also need review. Roblox warns that continued violations can lead to game suspension or removal. Our recommendation is to audit these inputs now, independently of the native-chat test.