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

# Messages

> Read and reply to customer phone conversations

Messages brings your RCS, SMS, and MMS conversations into one workspace.

## Reply to a conversation

<Steps>
  <Step title="Find the conversation">
    Open **Connect > Messages**. Search the inbox or filter by owner, channel, and status.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open and claim the thread">
    Select a conversation. Use **Claim** to take ownership and **Link contact** when the conversation needs a contact record.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send your reply">
    Write your message and select **Send message**. If sending is unavailable, read the explanation in the composer.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Start a conversation

Select **New Message**, enter the recipient in **To** with their country code, choose a **From** line, and select **Continue**.

If your workspace has no active line, use [Settings > Messaging](/modules/settings/messaging) first. Sending depends on consent, opt-out status, quiet hours, credits, ownership, and line availability. Imported history is read-only.


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