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

# Enable instant messaging

If you want users to be able to send [instant messages](/totara-20/docs/instant-messaging) to one another on you site then you will first need to enable this feature.

1. Go to *Quick-access menu > Configure features > Shared service settings**.***
2. Tick **Enable messaging system.**
3. Click **Save changes** (you'll need to scroll to the bottom of the screen).

## Next steps

- [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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