| Note: From October 1st, we're introducing new plans that better reflect how our customers use Deputy: Lite, Core, and Pro. If you're an existing customer, look out for an email soon with all the details you’ll need. Learn more about the new plans and what this change means for you. |
This article summarizes recent changes to Deputy Messaging (October 2025) including which features moved to Messaging+ and how to continue accessing them.
What's changing
From October 14, 2025, Deputy is launching Messaging+, a paid add-on that unlocks advanced messaging features for teams who want more control, visibility, and collaboration options.
Some features that were previously free to try will move into Messaging+ and will no longer be available in the free version after October 14.
To keep using the features below, you can subscribe to Messaging+ and enjoy a free 30-day trial.
Features moving to Messaging+ (paid add-on):
- Location channels (auto-provisioned per Deputy location)
- Read receipts
- Polls
- Voice recordings
- Role-based permissions (e.g. who can access Messaging, start or manage groups)
- Unlimited group sizes
- Full message search
- Full message and file history beyond 30 days
Restrictions in Messaging (free version):
- Message & file history limited to 30 days
- Message search limited to 30 days
- Group chats capped at 10 members (existing larger groups remain but you can’t add more members unless under 10)
- No role-based access or group permissions
What to expect
From October 14, teams without a Messaging+ add-on subscription may notice the following changes to their Messaging experience:
Feature |
Before Oct 14 |
|
Location channels |
Full access |
Existing location channels become read-only. |
Groups larger than 10 members |
Full access |
Existing groups remain as they are, but you won't be able to add new members until the group size is under 10. |
Permissions |
Full access |
Permissions settings remain as they are, but cannot be changed. |
Message & file history |
Full access |
In direct messages and group chats, only the last 30 days of message history will be visible. |
Message search |
Full access |
When searching messages, results will be limited to the last 30 days. For unrestricted search results, subscribe to Messaging+. |
Read receipts |
Full access |
Read receipt indicators will no longer appear for newly sent messages. |
Polls |
Full access |
The ability to create and post new group polls will no longer be available. |
Voice recordings |
Full access |
Voice recordings will no longer be available to send or receive. |
How to subscribe to Messaging+
When: From October 14
- Upgrade your Deputy plan with the Messaging+ add-on at any time via in-app self-serve at once.deputy.com, or speak to your Deputy sales contact or Customer Success Manager.
- Note: Customers on the Pro plan automatically get access to the Messaging+ add-on.
Read more about pricing for Messaging+ and how to subscribe to Messaging+.
You can find a detailed Messaging+ feature list here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my existing location channels on October 14?
No. Your location channels will not disappear, but they will become read-only. To continue posting in them, you’ll need to upgrade to Messaging+.
What happens to my group chats with more than 10 members?
Existing groups larger than 10 will stay intact. However, you won’t be able to add new members unless the group size drops below 10.
What happens to older messages and files when the 30-day limit applies?
Messages and files older than 30 days will be hidden, not deleted. If you upgrade to Messaging+, your full history will be restored.
Will there be any changes to 1:1 chats or basic group chats?
No. Direct messaging, small groups (up to 10 members), file attachments, reactions, and notifications will remain available in the free version of Messaging.
Can I try Messaging+ before paying?
Yes. From September 29, you can pre-subscribe to receive a free 30-day trial of Messaging+.
How do I purchase Messaging+?
You can upgrade your add-on subscriptions directly in the Deputy app via self-serve, or contact your Deputy sales representative or Customer Success Manager.
How much does Messaging+ cost?
Visit this article to read about pricing for Messaging+.
Does this change apply to all Deputy customers?
Yes. These changes take effect on October 14, 2025 across all Deputy accounts.
What happens if I don’t subscribe to Messaging+ after October 14?
You’ll continue to have access to the core Messaging features, but any Messaging+ features will become unavailable unless you subscribe. You can compare what's included in the free version and Messaging+.
Is the Messaging+ add-on included in any of the standard Pricing Plans (Lite, Core or Pro?)
Yes. Customers on the Pro plan have automatic access to Messaging+ features. You can read more about plan inclusions here.
Helpful resources
Need additional support?
You can learn more about Messaging in our Messaging FAQ article.
If you still have questions about how these changes affect your business, our support team is here to help.