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messaging

Send messages and manage chat privacy

Start direct messages from the Messages panel or a profile, send media, and control who can message you, read receipts, and blocking.

Guide status

Updated Jun 20, 2026

Tags 3

messagingprivacydirect-messages

Direct messages live in the floating Messages panel, available from the button in the corner of Space pages. You can also start a conversation from someone's profile, and privacy settings decide who can reach you first.

Before you start

  • Sign in with a profile; messaging is for members only.
  • If the other person uses approval mode, your first contact arrives as a request they must approve.
  • Blocked members cannot message you, and you cannot message them.

Start and run a conversation

  1. Select the Messages button to open the panel, then use New message to search people and Create chat, or open an existing thread from the All, Unread, or Followed tabs.
  2. On a member's profile, use the message button instead; when their privacy requires approval you see Request to message, and once they accept you can message them from your inbox.
  3. Type your message and send it. Use the attachments menu to Attach a file, send images or video, or record a voice message.
  4. Long-press or hover a message for reactions, replies, and pinning; group chats support adding people and member management.

Control who can message you

  1. Open Settings > Account > Privacy on the Privacy tab.
  2. Under Who can follow & message you, choose Open so members you have not blocked can start conversations right away, or Approval required so others must send a follow or message request and wait for your approval.
  3. Toggle Read receipts to control whether others see when you have read their messages, and Typing indicators to control whether they see you typing.
  4. Use the Blocked and Muted tabs to review and manage blocked or muted accounts; block or mute people from their profile page.

Expected result

Conversations appear in the Messages panel with unread counts, your chosen privacy mode gates new conversations, and blocked accounts cannot follow or message you.

Troubleshooting

  • If you see Request to message on a profile, that member requires approval before new conversations.
  • If you cannot message someone, one of you may have blocked the other; check the Blocked tab.
  • If read receipts or typing indicators do not appear, the other person has turned them off.