Send a direct message

You can send a direct message (DM) to a person or group in Google Chat.

Learn how DMs work

DMs can be from you to another person or include multiple people.
When one or more people read your message, their avatar displays next to their last read message.
To focus conversation around a topic, project or shared interest with multiple people, create a space instead. Learn the differences between spaces and DMs.

On your iPhone or iPad, open the Chat app or Gmail app .
- In Gmail: At the bottom, tap Chat .

Tip: To search for DMs, use the search bar at the top. Learn how to search for messages.

Important: If this is your first time sending a message to someone else, they need to accept your message request before you can chat with them.

On your iPhone or iPad, open the Chat app or Gmail app .
- In Gmail: At the bottom, tap Chat .

In the bottom navigation menu, tap New chat .
Enter a name or email address, then tap Done.
- When you enter a name or email address, you can get suggestions.
- To start a group DM, add more names or email addresses.
In the reply area, enter a message.
Tap Send .

In the reply area, you can add more content to your message before you send it. You can:

For more options, tap Action menu to:

Important: If there are two or more people in the DM, you can turn a DM into a space.

On your iPhone or iPad, open the Chat app or Gmail app .
- In Gmail: At the bottom, tap Chat .

If your work or school uses Chat, your administrator allows you to send messages to people in and out of your organisation.

You can chat with someone outside of your organisation if:
- They use their personal Google Account.
- Both organisations allow it.
When you chat with someone outside of your organisation, an 'External' badge is displayed next to their name.
You can't add people outside of your organisation to group DMs.
When you add people to a DM, you can find suggestions. Suggestions include everyone in your organisation, even if they don't have Google Chat.