---
title: "Instant messaging"
slug: "instant-messaging"
tags: ["Totara Platform", "Explainer", "Site Administrator"]
updated: 2026-08-13T16:01:41Z
published: 2026-08-13T16:01:41Z
canonical: "totara.help/instant-messaging"
---

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

# Instant messaging

From within **Configure features** it is possible to enable messaging at a side-wide level. This means that users in Totara will have the option to send each other instant messages.

Messages can be sent from:

- The quick-access menu under *Users > Accounts > Bulk user actions*
- Within a course from *Navigation > Current course > Participants*
- As any logged-in user from the **Messages** block or **Online users** block (where available)
- The **Message bar** at the top of the screen (next to your name)
- The messages page via the **User menu**

Users can choose how they wish to be notified of new messages (when logged in or logged out) via their **User menu** within *Preferences* > *Messaging*.

The choices a user has on this screen depends on their role and permissions. For example, a Site Administrator would also see options for notifications about backups or important errors with the site.

After selecting messages from the **User menu**, use the **Message navigation** dropdown menu to select from your existing contacts, view recent conversations, notifications, or the contacts available within any enrolled/associated courses.

Alternatively, use the search feature to find specific users on the site, or for a specific message from previous conversations.

## Next steps

- [Enable instant messaging](/totara-20/docs/enable-instant-messaging)
- [Send an instant message](/totara-20/docs/send-an-instant-message)
- [Add an instant message contact](/totara-20/docs/add-an-instant-message-contact)

Join the [Totara Community](https://totara.community/) for more resources to help you get the most out of Totara.

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