# Exchange Direct Messages

{% hint style="info" %}
A *direct message* is only possible between two friends. You will need to send a *friend request* to the person of your choice, and they must accept before the direct messaging channel opens. Once the channel is open, you can chat freely.

*Direct messages* are not recorded in patient files and are only visible to you and your "friend".
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Currently, once the friend request is accepted, it is impossible to close the direct messaging channel.

This is a limitation that will be corrected soon.
{% endhint %}

## Step-by-Step

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**To initiate a direct message, go to Network tab or select *****direct messages***** under Home tab (see orange box).**

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2087763297-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fd8hDMfWQR8ZiYaXo0Jis%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-dca11834d95fe03d235cc7d2fcfd9ca35917671f%2FEnvoyer%20un%20message%20direct%20avec%20amis%20seulement%20-%20Step%201.jpeg?alt=media" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Contacts with a paper airplane are your "friends", meaning you can send them direct messages.**

Select the "friend" you want to write to, then click the paper airplane icon under their photo.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2087763297-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fd8hDMfWQR8ZiYaXo0Jis%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-f6d058834105a4c2f62fb0ab69606d7f4e2b0e55%2FEnvoyer%20un%20message%20direct%20avec%20amis%20seulement%20-%20Step%202.jpeg?alt=media" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2087763297-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fd8hDMfWQR8ZiYaXo0Jis%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-63e8c9ec30d430e0e3cc0152d77825532d0faa23%2FEnvoyer%20un%20message%20direct%20avec%20amis%20seulement%20-%20Step%203.jpeg?alt=media" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Write the message of your choice and add necessary content if needed. Send your message by selecting the purple arrow.**

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2087763297-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fd8hDMfWQR8ZiYaXo0Jis%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-76b46f95894025e697d2fbace50b7bbbfbfc8001%2FEnvoyer%20un%20message%20direct%20avec%20amis%20seulement%20-%20Step%204.jpeg?alt=media" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}