WhenChat
by ErikEdits
WhenChat prepends an HH:mm:ss timestamp to each incoming chat message on the client, so a player can tell when a line arrived.
What it does
Each incoming chat message gets a time stamp in HH:mm:ss format placed at its front. The timestamp is drawn in gray so it stays out of the way of the message text. The change applies only to how incoming messages are displayed on the client; nothing is sent to the server, and the server does not need the mod.
The mod suits multiplayer players who are busy in a conversation, take screenshots as evidence, or simply want a time reference without opening the F3 debug screen. It works on vanilla, Paper, Fabric, NeoForge and modded servers, since the server sees no difference. Fabric API is required, and Fabric Loader 0.14.0 or newer is needed for the Fabric builds.
Files are published for Fabric, Forge and NeoForge, covering 24 release versions, 1.19 – 1.21.11. The mod is open source under the MIT License, and the source code and issue tracker are linked publicly. Java 17 runs the builds for 1.19 – 1.20.4, and Java 21 is needed from 1.20.5 onward.
Key features
Timestamp prefix
Each received chat message starts with its arrival time in HH:mm:ss format, with no setup required.
Gray timestamp styling
The timestamp is rendered in gray, so it reads as metadata and does not compete with the message text.
Single mixin
A single mixin handles the change, keeping the performance impact of the mod small.
Zero configuration
The mod works after installation and launch, with no options screen to open first.
Gallery
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
1.21.x12 of 12 versions with builds
1.20.x7 of 7 versions with builds
1.19.x5 of 5 versions with builds
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Requirements
Dependencies declared by the latest file for each loader.
Required 1
Use cases
Timing messages in multiplayer
A player who is busy in a server conversation can check when each line arrived, and match it to events in the game.
Screenshot evidence
Timestamps on chat lines show when a message appeared in the screenshot, useful as a record of what was said.
Who it’s for: Players who join multiplayer servers and want the arrival time of chat messages visible in the chat window without opening the F3 debug screen.
How it compares
Plague's Chat Timestamps is a client-side timestamp mod under the MIT License, with files for Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt, 1.16 – 26.3. Chat Screen is also client-side and open source under the MIT License, but it covers 1.20.1 – 1.21.10 and adds a chat screen rather than only timestamps.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WhenChat | Fabric, Forge and NeoForge | 1.19 – 1.21.11 | Client-side only | 2026-06-07 |
| Plague's Chat Timestamps | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt | 1.16 – 26.3 | Client-side only | 2026-10-13 |
| Chat Screen | Fabric, Forge and NeoForge | 1.20.1 – 1.21.10 | Client-side only | 2025-11-06 |
Questions
Does WhenChat need to be installed on the server?
Which loaders does WhenChat support?
Which Java version does WhenChat need?
In the catalog
WhenChat is one of 5,392 Social mods on ModsFinder, and one of 4,084 Social mods for Fabric. 19,862 mods support Minecraft 1.21.11.
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What the author says
WhenChat is a lightweight, client-side mod that automatically prepends a [HH:mm:ss] timestamp in front of every chat message you receive in Minecraft. Available for Fabric, NeoForge, and Forge. Ever wondered exactly when that message in chat was sent? Whether you're on a busy multiplayer server, taking screenshots…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/whenchat
- Owner
- ErikEdits
- Published
- 2026-06-03
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-06-07
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15