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

# Messages: Conversation History

> View all In-App and SMS messages with a client, send new messages, and review past conversations

<Info>
  **Where to find this**: Client Profile → **Messages** tab
</Info>

## What it shows

Complete conversation history with this client across two message types:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="In-App Messages">
    Messages sent through your **Athlete Portal** (web/mobile app). Includes:

    * Text messages
    * Image attachments
    * Date dividers (e.g., "8th April", "29th May")
    * Timestamps for each message
    * Your messages + client replies in conversation thread
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="SMS Messages">
    Text messages sent to/from their phone number. Requires:

    * Client has phone number in profile
    * You have SMS enabled in CoachIQ
    * SMS credits available in your account

    Same conversation view as In-App.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Sending messages from the profile

**Quick message workflow:**

1. Type your message in the input box at the bottom
2. (Optional) Click **emoji icon** to add emoji
3. (Optional) Click **+ icon** to attach image
4. Click **send icon** (paper plane)

<Note>
  Messages sent here appear in your main **Inbox** section too. This is just a filtered view showing only conversations with this client.
</Note>

***

## When to use Messages tab vs Inbox

| Use Messages Tab When...                     | Use Inbox When...                        |
| -------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| You're already in client profile             | You need to message multiple clients     |
| You want to see ONLY this client's history   | You want to see all conversations        |
| You need context from their bookings/credits | You're managing daily communication flow |

**Pro tip**: Most coaches use the profile Message button (top-right header) to start a conversation, then continue in Inbox if needed.

***

## Common uses

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Quick check: Did they see my message?">
    Scroll to your last message. If you see their reply below it with a timestamp, they saw it.

    **No reply indicator** in CoachIQ—just look for their response timestamp.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Finding what you discussed about payment">
    1. Toggle to **In-App** or **SMS** depending on where you messaged them
    2. Scroll through conversation (use date dividers to navigate)
    3. Look for messages around transaction dates

    Faster than searching Inbox if you know it's this specific client.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Sending a booking reminder with context">
    While looking at their **Bookings** tab, notice they have a session tomorrow. Switch to **Messages** tab and send:

    "Hey! Excited to see you tomorrow at 3 PM for Rising Stars Class. Bring your gear!"

    Context from their profile makes messaging more personal.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Image attachments

**Viewing images:**

* Images appear inline in the conversation thread
* Click image to view full size
* Useful for: Form photos, workout videos, injury documentation

**Sending images:**

* Click **+** icon in message input
* Select image from your device
* Image uploads and sends with your message

<Tip>
  **Use case**: Client asks about their form. Pull up their profile, go to Messages, send a video still from their last session with feedback. Everything in one place.
</Tip>

***

## What's NOT here

The Messages tab shows **only conversations**. It does NOT show:

* Automated message sends (like booking confirmations)
* Bulk messages sent to groups/tags
* Email notifications sent by CoachIQ
* Announcements posted in Portal

For complete message activity, use **Inbox** section.

***

## Related tabs

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="All Activity" icon="list-timeline" href="/people/client-profiles/client-profiles-activity">
    See messages in unified timeline
  </Card>

  <Card title="Inbox Guide" icon="inbox" href="/inbox/inbox-overview">
    Full messaging system overview
  </Card>
</CardGroup>