> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.replyke.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Use chat socket

> Access the underlying Socket.io connection state for chat

## Overview

Returns the shared Socket.io socket instance and its connection state from `ChatProvider`. Most applications will only need the `connected` flag for displaying connection status UI. Direct socket access is available for advanced use cases.

<Note>Requires `ChatProvider` in the component tree.</Note>

## Usage Example

```tsx theme={null}
import { useChatSocket } from "@replyke/react-js";

function ConnectionStatus() {
  const { connected } = useChatSocket();

  return (
    <span className={connected ? "text-green-500" : "text-gray-400"}>
      {connected ? "Online" : "Connecting..."}
    </span>
  );
}
```

## Returns

<ResponseField name="socket" type="Socket | null">
  The underlying Socket.io socket instance. `null` when no user is authenticated or before the connection is established. For most use cases, prefer the higher-level chat hooks over accessing the socket directly.
</ResponseField>

<ResponseField name="connected" type="boolean">
  `true` when the socket is connected and ready to receive events.
</ResponseField>

## Notes

* For integration guidance, see [Chat: Real-time](/sdk/chat/real-time).