How to Send Messages & Chats on Reddit

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Learn how to DM in the Reddit app or in your computer's web browser

Co-authored by Nicole Levine, MFA Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: August 15, 2026 Fact Checked

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On the Reddit App

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On a Computer

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Enable or Disable Messages

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Troubleshooting

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Video

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Q&A

Now that Reddit has removed the "private message" feature, sending a DM on Reddit is a little different than it used to be. If you want to send a private message on Reddit, you can send them a chat request from their profile. Once they accept your message and request, you can DM one another and even send pictures. In this guide, we'll show you how to send messages on Reddit using the mobile app and your web browser. We'll also show you how to control who can DM you on Reddit, and help you fix issues with not being able to send messages

Sending Private Messages on Reddit: Quick Steps

Click the person's username above a post or comment.
Click ••• (mobile app only).
Click Start chat.
Type and send your message.

Section 1 of 4:

Send a Message on the Reddit App

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1
Find a post or comment from the person you want to write to. If you want to send someone a DM (direct/private message) on Reddit, you can do so easily using the Reddit mobile app on your Android, iPhone, or iPad.^{[1]
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- Reddit refers to messages as "Chats" and allows users to block chat requests if they wish. If the person you want to message on Reddit has blocked chat requests, you won't be able to send them a message.
- You must be logged in with a Reddit account to send a message.
Their username will appear above the content of their post or comment. Tapping it will take you to their profile.^{[2]
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The 3 dots will either be horizontal or vertical, depending on the version of the app you're using. This will open a menu.
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Tap Start chat. As long as the person accepts chat requests, this option will appear on their profile.I^{[3]
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Type a message and tap the Send icon. It's the paper airplane on the right side of the typing area. This sends your message as a chat request, which invites them to respond. Once they accept the chat request, a conversation will be started, and you'll be able to message back and forth freely.^{[4]
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- You can't send a photo in a message until the person has accepted your chat request. Once they've accepted, a conversation will be started, and you'll be able to send each other pictures.
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Read and reply to messages. You can check your messages, accept chat requests, and send replies from your Chat inbox. To get there, tap the bell icon at the bottom of the Reddit app, then tap the Chat tab.^{[5]
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- If you have a chat request, tap Accept to accept it, and then you'll be able to send a reply.
- Alternatively, tap Ignore if you don't want to reply to the chat.
- If you know someone's username, you can send them a message from your inbox as well. To do so, tap the chat bubble icon with a "+" inside, start typing their username, select the correct user, and tap Create.

Section 2 of 4:

Send a Message on the Reddit Website

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1
Find a post or comment from the person you want to write to. If you want to send someone a DM (direct/private message) on Reddit, you can do so easily using Reddit.com in your web browser.^{[6]
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- Reddit refers to messages as "Chats" and allows users to block chat requests if they wish. If the person you want to message on Reddit has blocked chat requests, you won't be able to send them a message.
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Click the person's username above their post. Their username appears above the content of their post or comment. Clicking it will open their profile.^{[7]
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Click Start Chat. If the person accepts chat requests, the Start Chat button will appear in the top-right corner of their profile.
- If you don't see this button, you won't be able to send this person a message.
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Type a message and press ↵ Enter or Return. This sends your message as a chat request, which invites them to respond. Once they accept the chat request, a conversation will be started, and you'll be able to message back and forth freely.^{[8]
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- You can't send a photo in a message until the person has accepted your chat request. Once they've accepted, a conversation will be started, and you'll be able to send each other pictures.
If you want to read and respond to messages on Reddit, you can do so from the inbox. You'll see the chat bubble icon in the upper-right corner of Reddit.
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Reply to or ignore a message. If you have a chat request, click Accept to accept it, and then you'll be able to send a reply. Alternatively, click Ignore if you don't plan to respond.
- If you know someone's username, you can also send a message to them here by clicking Start new chat, entering their username, and clicking Create.

Section 3 of 4:

Enable or Disable Messages in Reddit

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You can control whether other Redditors can DM you in your settings. You can choose to receive messages from Everyone on Reddit, only Accounts older than 30 days, or Nobody. If you want to turn off chats for everyone except certain users, you can add their username(s) to your chat allow list. The steps to change your messaging privacy are a little different depending on whether you're using the app or logging in on the web:^{[9]
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- Mobile app
  - Tap the You tab at the bottom.
  - Tap the menu ☰ at the top-right.
  - Tap Settings.
  - Tap your username at the top.
  - Tap Chat permissions.
  - Tap Allow chat request from, then choose a preference.
  - If you want to accept messages from certain people only, tap Allow list, then add those users.
- Web browser
  - Go to your Privacy Settings.
  - Click Who can send you chat requests.
  - Select an option and click Done.
  - If you want to accept messages from certain people only, type their usernames into the field.

Section 4 of 4:

Why can't I send a message on Reddit?

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The person you're messaging may have disabled chat requests. Reddit users have the option of disabling incoming chats (messages) for all users, less-established users, or users they haven't added to their "Always allow" lists. If you don't see the option to start a chat on someone's profile, you can't send them a private message.^{[10]
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- Even if you are able to send a chat request, you won't be able to send a picture in your first message. If the person you DM accepts your chat, the option to attach a picture to a message will appear.
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You may have hit your chat limit. Reddit limits the number of chat requests (first messages to someone) you can send per day, and the limit will increase as your account ages. Unfortunately, they don't list a number as the hard limit in their help documents.^{[11]
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- If you have multiple concurrent conversations happening in your inbox, you may free up room for sending more messages by exiting some of those conversations. To leave a chat, click or tap the gear icon and select Leave group.
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Your account isn't established enough. If your account is brand new, you won't be able to DM other Redditors until you've had your account for a few days. If you haven't verified your email address, it'll likely take longer.^{[12]
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- You can verify your email address by adding it to your account settings. You'll then receive an email from Reddit–open the email and click the link inside to confirm.^{[13]
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Community Q&A

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Question

How do I send a picture as a reply to a private message. I'm trying to sell something.

Community Answer

You can add a link to a Imgur post to show a picture or use a similar photo-sharing website.

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