How-to guide Β·

How to Send Messages on Threads

Threads has its own private messages (DMs) in the app and on threads.com. Learn how to start a chat, make a group of up to 50 people, share posts, handle message requests from people you don't follow, and keep your inbox safe.

50people per group chat
18+age required to use messages
App + webmessages on threads.com since May 2026
350MDMs sent each week (Meta, May 2026)
Send a message

How to send a message on Threads

Pick where you're messaging from.

  1. Open MessagesTap the Messages (paper-plane) icon in the Threads app's navigation.
  2. Start a new chatTap the new message (pencil) icon.
  3. Choose whoSearch for a username and select them. Add more people to make a group.
  4. Type and sendWrite your message, add a photo, GIF or sticker if you like, and tap Send.

Shortcut: open someone's profile and tap Message, or tap the share icon under a post and send it to a chat.

Who can I message?

Can I message this person on Threads?

Answer a few questions to see whether your message lands in their inbox, goes to requests, or can't be sent.

Are you 18 or older?
Is the other person 18 or older?
Do they follow you on Threads?
Have they blocked you or turned off requests?

Group chats

How to start a group chat on Threads

  1. Tap new messageIn Messages, tap the pencil icon.
  2. Add peopleSelect up to 50 people. In the original rollout, group members had to follow you on Threads.
  3. Name the groupGive it a name so everyone knows what it's for.
  4. Share an invite linkOpen the group's details to share an invite link with others.

Leave or mute a group any time from its details screen.

Requests

How message requests work

Messages from people you don't follow don't go straight to your inbox.

Media & reactions

What you can send in Threads messages

πŸ–ΌοΈPhotos & videos

Share from your camera roll or computer.

🎞️GIFs & stickers

Search GIFs and stickers right in the chat.

πŸ”—Links

Paste a link to share it (not allowed in first requests).

↗️Share posts

Tap the share icon under any post and pick a chat.

❀️Reactions

Double-tap or long-press a message to react with an emoji.

πŸ‘₯Group names & invites

Name a group and share an invite link.

Privacy & safety

Keep your Threads messages private and safe

πŸ”“

Threads messages are not end-to-end encrypted. Don't send passwords, bank details, ID photos or anything you'd be upset to see leaked. For sensitive chats, use an end-to-end encrypted messaging app.

🎚️
Choose who can message you

Allow requests from everyone, or only people you follow, in Threads' privacy settings.

🧹
Hidden requests

Possibly offensive or spammy requests are filtered into a separate hidden folder.

πŸ”•
Mute a chat

Stop notifications from a chat or group without leaving it.

β›”
Block

Stops someone messaging you and seeing your profile on Threads.

🚩
Report

Long-press a message or open the chat details to report spam, scams or abuse.

πŸ—‘οΈ
Delete a chat

Removes the conversation from your inbox (the other person keeps their copy).

More controls: Threads privacy settings Β· message notifications

For businesses

Using Threads messages for your business

Answer questions publicly when you can, then move private details into DMs. Copy these replies and adjust them.

Move to DMs

Thanks for asking! I've sent you a DM so we can sort out the details privately πŸ’¬

Order question

Hi [name], thanks for your message! Could you share your order number here? We'll check it and get back to you within [time].

Collab reply

Hi [name], love your work! We'd be happy to chat about a collaboration. What did you have in mind, and what are your rates?

Polite decline

Thanks so much for thinking of us, [name]. It's not a fit right now, but we'll keep you in mind for future projects.

More: Threads for business Β· small business playbook

Not working?

Threads messages not working? Quick fixes

I don't see Messages at all

Messages are for users 18+. Update Threads to the latest version, restart the app, and check you're on the right profile.

I can't message someone

They may not accept requests, may have blocked you, or may be under 18. Use the checker above.

My link or photo won't send

Links and media aren't allowed in the first message of a request. Send text first; once they accept, you can share links and media.

Messages are slow or don't send

Check your connection, close and reopen the app, or try threads.com. Clear the app cache if it keeps happening.

No message notifications

Check notification settings in Threads and on your phone, and make sure the chat isn't muted.

I can't find a request

Check the Requests folder and the hidden requests folder inside it.

Still stuck? See Threads not working.

FAQ

Threads messages FAQ

Can you send DMs on Threads?
Yes. Threads has had its own direct messages since July 2025, separate from Instagram DMs. You can message people one-to-one or in groups of up to 50, in the app and on threads.com.
How do I send a message on Threads?
Open Messages (the paper-plane icon in the app, or the Messages icon in the sidebar on threads.com), tap the new message icon, choose a person and send. You can also tap Message on someone's profile.
Why can't I see messages on Threads?
Messaging is only for users 18 and older. Update the app to the latest version, and check that you're logged in to the right profile.
Can people I don't follow message me on Threads?
They can send a message request, which goes to your Requests folder instead of your inbox. You can turn requests off so only people you follow can message you.
Are Threads DMs the same as Instagram DMs?
No. Threads messages live in Threads. Your Instagram DMs stay in Instagram, and chats don't merge between the two apps.
Are Threads messages encrypted?
Threads messages are not end-to-end encrypted. Avoid sharing passwords, financial details or other sensitive information in Threads DMs.