Do I need a real person to practice with? Does MendSage do matchmaking?
MendSage is built for real human conversation — you practice by texting people you already know (friends, family, partners, or study buddies), and that's still the best experience. MendSage does not do matchmaking or stranger discovery; you invite your own contacts. If your usual chat partner isn't available, AI companions let you keep practising: pick a persona, chat in your target language, and get corrected the same way. Human partners bring richer, more natural input — AI companions are a useful fallback, not a replacement.
How is MendSage different from Duolingo or Babbel? Is it a replacement?
They complement different learning stages. Duolingo focuses on pattern automation across A1–B1 levels using multiple-choice drills and gamified streaks, but it teaches little explicit grammar and isn't designed around real conversations. MendSage is an everyday messenger for spontaneous communication with people you know. It is usable even at A1 for simple texts and greetings (using 'Your Word' to fill in gaps), but delivers its greatest value from A2 upwards — when you know the basics and need unscripted practice to break through the conversational plateau. Read our full breakdown of Duolingo, ChatGPT, and MendSage.
Can I just use ChatGPT to practice my target language?
While ChatGPT has immense linguistic knowledge, it was not built as a learning tool or a messaging platform. Even for solo study, corrections arrive as separate text replies rather than inline annotations on your words, and it doesn't classify grammar rules into a learning record or collect your new vocabulary. Using it with friends requires a clunky copy-paste loop between apps, and it cannot manage two-person dynamics like leaving native speakers uncorrected. MendSage brings quiet, structured coaching directly into your real messaging threads. Read our detailed comparison.
How do I invite someone to a chat?
Tap the '+' button to start a new chat or open an existing chat's settings, then tap 'Invite friend' to generate a unique invite link. Share this link via any messaging app, SMS, or email. When your friend taps the link, they'll automatically join your chat on MendSage.
Can I chat with native speakers without them getting corrected?
Yes! A native speaker can set their status to native for that language. MendSage won't correct them, while continuing to coach you on your practice messages — making mixed-level chats completely seamless.
Does the AI coach slow down or block my messages?
Not at all. MendSage is send-first: your message sends instantly like any messenger so the conversation flow is never blocked. The AI coach adds quiet annotations a beat later.
What is the difference between formal and informal chats?
When creating or editing a chat, you can choose between formal and informal (casual) styles. Formal mode coaches you using polite, professional grammar and address (such as Sie, vous, or usted), while informal mode focuses on natural everyday conversation among friends. The AI coach tailors its corrections and suggestions to match the selected style.
How does coaching work in group chats?
Coaching unlocks for an entire group chat whenever the room's combined subscription coverage meets or exceeds the total number of members. A single Circle subscription covers up to 5 participants single-handedly. For larger groups, members can combine coverage (for example, two Circle subscriptions cover 10 people, or multiple Duo subscriptions add up) so everyone enjoys full AI coaching without each person buying their own subscription.
How does the free plan work?
The free plan gives you unlimited real-time error detection (instant flags showing when a message has an error) across all your chats, plus a daily allowance of 5 full corrections and detailed grammar breakdowns. When you reach your daily quota of 5 explanations, you can wait until the next day for the counter to reset, or upgrade to a Duo or Circle plan for unlimited coaching.
Do both people in a 1:1 chat need a subscription?
No! A single Duo subscription covers both participants in any 1:1 chat. As long as one person has an active subscription, both enjoy unlimited detailed grammar breakdowns and full coaching in that chat.
How do I manage or cancel my subscription?
Subscriptions are billed and managed by the app store you bought them from: iPhone / iPad (Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions) or Android (Google Play Store → Menu → Subscriptions). Cancelling stops future renewals while keeping access until the end of your current billing period.
How do I delete my account and data?
You can delete your account directly in the app under Profile → Delete account, or request account deletion on our account deletion page.