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

# Manage chat and DM preferences in Instaloops

> Configure direct message alerts, mention notifications, and conversation controls in Instaloops. Set who can message you and learn how to mute individual chats.

The Chat tab controls how you are notified about direct messages and who can start conversations with you. You can also manage individual chats from within each conversation.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/supacoder/images/community-settings/chat.png" alt="Chat settings tab with DM alerts, mentions, and who can message you options" />
</Frame>

## Direct message alerts

Choose how you want to be notified when someone sends you a DM.

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Under **Direct message alerts**, toggle **Push notifications** to receive device pings for new DMs.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Toggle **Email notifications** to receive an email when a DM arrives.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Toggle **Mentions in chat** to be alerted when someone @mentions you in a conversation.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  These toggles are saved automatically. If a toggle reverts, check your network connection and try again.
</Tip>

## Who can message you

Control which members can start a conversation with you.

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Under **Who can message you**, select one of the options:
  </Step>
</Steps>

* **Everyone**: any community member can start a conversation
* **People you follow**: only accounts you follow can message you
* **No one**: direct messages are turned off entirely

<Note>
  This preference is saved on your current device only. Server-side enforcement is coming soon.
</Note>

## Conversation controls

You can mute or manage individual chats without changing your global preferences.

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Open the conversation you want to manage.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Use the conversation menu to mute or adjust that specific thread.
  </Step>
</Steps>

To block a specific account across chat, comments, and mentions, open their profile and select **Block**.

## Frequently asked questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What is the difference between Chat settings and Notifications settings?">
    The Chat tab focuses on direct message behavior and who can reach you. The Notifications tab covers all alert types including likes, comments, and community updates. Both tabs share the same DM push and email toggles.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="If I turn off DMs, can people still mention me in public posts?">
    Yes. Turning off direct messages only blocks new private conversations. Mentions in posts and comments are still visible and will trigger alerts based on your notification preferences.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Will muting a single conversation affect my other chats?">
    No. Muting one conversation only silences alerts for that thread. Your global DM settings and other conversations remain unchanged.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does blocking someone remove past messages?">
    Blocking prevents future contact across chat, comments, and mentions. Past messages may still be visible in your conversation history depending on the community setup.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why does my Who can message you choice reset on a new device?">
    This setting is stored in your browser's local storage, not on the server. When you switch devices or browsers, it defaults back to **Everyone**. Server-side persistence is planned.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="DM toggle keeps reverting">
    This usually means the save request failed. Check that you are online, then refresh the Chat tab and try toggling again. If it still fails, wait a moment and retry in case of a temporary server delay.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Cannot find the mute option inside a conversation">
    Open the conversation and look for a menu icon, often three dots or a gear icon near the top. The mute option should be inside that menu. If it is missing, the community may not support conversation-level muting.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Block button is missing from a profile">
    Some communities restrict blocking for certain roles, or the member may have a protected status. If you need to stop contact, try muting the conversation instead, or reach out to a community moderator.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Email alerts for DMs are not arriving">
    First confirm **DM email notifications** is enabled in the Chat tab. Then check your spam or promotions folder. If emails are still missing, verify your account email address is correct in your profile settings.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related

* [Notification preferences](/my-settings/notifications)
* [Membership and billing](/my-settings/membership)
* [Community rules](/content-growth/rules)