Description
In the stream-chat-react SDK, clicking the "Reply" button on a message correctly opens the thread panel, but fails to auto-focus the input field. This creates a frustrating user experience, especially in high-velocity chat environments.
Impact:
We have multiple users managing a large volume of client conversations, and this issue is causing significant slowdowns in their workflow. Every extra click adds up and introduces unnecessary friction in a fast-paced support or communication setting.
Expected Behavior:
When a user clicks "Reply" on a message:
The thread panel should open (✔️ working)
The message input should be auto-focused so the user can immediately begin typing (❌ not working)
Actual Behavior:
The thread panel opens, but the message input remains unfocused.
Users have to manually click the input box before typing.
Steps to Reproduce:
Set up a basic chat interface using stream-chat-react.
Send a few messages.
Click the "Reply" button on any message.
Notice that the thread input does not receive focus.
Environment:
SDK: stream-chat-react
Version: 13.0.5
Framework: React
Browser: Chrome (137.0.7151.119)
OS: MacOs Sequoia 15.5
Why this matters:
This may seem minor on the surface, but in real-world usage — especially in enterprise-level or support-focused applications — this slows down agents, leads to missed keystrokes, and degrades the overall chat experience.
Request:
Please prioritise this fix or guide us toward a workaround if one exists. Happy to provide more details or a reproduction if needed.