Automatically Restore Chat to the Last Read Message for the Logged-In User

Description

We would like to request support for a feature that ensures users re-entering a group chat / one to one chats are automatically taken to the last read message instead of being scrolled to the most recent message.

Currently, when a user opens a group conversation or one to one conversation, the UI Kit scrolls directly to the latest message. This forces users to manually navigate backward to find where they previously left off, which can be especially difficult with many new messages.

Proposed Enhancement

When a logged-in user opens a group chat:

1. Detect the last message they have read using read receipts or a stored message ID.

2. Automatically restore the chat’s scroll position to that exact message.

3. Optionally highlight or visually mark messages that follow as “new” to maintain clarity.

4. Provide developer-level flexibility via:

   • A method/API to set or override the last-read marker

   • An event/callback indicating whether the UI restored the position successfully

Why This Feature Is Valuable

• Enhances conversation continuity by letting users resume exactly where they left off.

• Reduces time spent searching for the last read point in busy chats.

• Provides a familiar experience aligned with modern messaging platforms.

• Improves overall usability and user satisfaction, especially in high-volume community or enterprise chats.

Expected Impact

This feature will significantly improve the user experience by ensuring a smooth and intuitive return path within group discussions / one to one conversations. Users will no longer need to hunt for the last message they saw, CometChat will automatically bring them back to the correct position.