Message notifications

When someone messages you, you're told in two ways: an unread count on the chat bubble (or the Messages tab on a phone), and an email. New messages don't go to the notification bell.

How will I know I have a new message?

• Chat bubble badge. On a computer, the chat bubble icon in the top bar shows a red number when you have unread conversations. On a phone, the same number appears on the Messages tab in the bottom bar.
• Email. Every new message sends you an email with a preview and a Read and reply button.
• Your inbox. In Messages, unread conversations are grouped at the top under Unread, highlighted, with a New tag, and a pill at the top shows how many are unread.
• My listings. If the message is about one of your ads, My listings shows an unread count on that ad. Tap it to go to your inbox.

What does the number on the chat bubble mean?

It's the number of conversations with a new message you haven't opened yet, not the number of individual messages. Five messages from one person count as 1. When there are more than 9, it shows "9+".

The badge updates by itself, without refreshing: when a new message arrives, when you come back to the site's tab, and at least once a minute. It goes down when you open the conversation.

The chat bubble only appears when you're signed in.

Why don't messages show in the notification bell?

By design. The bell is for things like likes, comments, forum replies, trophies and Society updates. Messages have their own home: the chat bubble badge and your inbox, plus an email. See Notifications.

What do message emails look like?

Each new message sends one email to the address on your account.

For a direct message:

• Subject: "(username) sent you a message"
• Heading: "New message from (username)"
• A line saying they messaged you on Underground Aquarium
• A preview of the message (roughly the first 300 characters)
• A Read and reply button that opens the conversation

For a listing conversation:

• Subject: "(username) messaged you about "(listing title)""
• Heading: "New message from (username)"
• The listing title
• A preview of the message and a Read and reply button

The sender is shown by their username. Your own email address is never shared with them.

Why does the email say "your listing" when it isn't mine?

Emails for listing conversations use the same wording for both people, so if you're the buyer and the seller replies, the email may still say "About your listing" followed by the listing title. It just means the conversation is about that listing. Tap Read and reply to see it.

Can I turn off message emails?

Not with a setting right now. The switches on the Notifications page control notification bell alerts (and a few shop emails), and they don't include messages. Every new message sends an email.

Some honest options if you're getting more than you want:

• Block someone who keeps messaging you and you don't want to hear from. They can't message you anymore, so no more emails from them. See Blocking and safety in messages.
• Use a filter in your email app to skip the inbox or label emails from Underground Aquarium that start with "New message from".
• Mark ads sold when they're gone, so buyers can't start new conversations about them. See Marking sold and deleting.
• Email support@undergroundaquarium.com if you'd like message emails stopped for your address. Keep in mind that turning off email for your address also stops other emails from us.

Can I mute one conversation?

No. There's no way to mute a single conversation. Blocking the person stops them messaging you altogether.

I'm not getting message emails

• Check spam, junk and promotions folders, and add Underground Aquarium to your contacts or safe senders.
• Check the email address on your account is the one you're checking. See Your dashboard and settings.
• If you ever used an unsubscribe link in one of our emails, or if emails to your address bounced in the past, we stop emailing that address entirely, and that includes message emails. Email support@undergroundaquarium.com to get them turned back on.
• Emails can occasionally be delayed. Your inbox and chat bubble always show new messages, even if an email is late.

Do I get an email for messages I send?

No. You only get emails for messages other people send you.

Do I get notified when someone reads my message?

No notification is sent. In your inbox, your last message shows Seen once the other person has opened the conversation, and Sent until then.

Does the badge show on my phone's home screen?

No. The count shows on the site itself, on the chat bubble or the Messages tab, while you have it open. For alerts when you're away from the site, rely on the email. See Using the site on your phone.

Common problems

The badge says 1 but I've read everything. Open Messages and look under Unread. Open that conversation. If the number doesn't clear right away, switch to another tab and back, or wait up to a minute.

I got an email but can't find the message. Tap Read and reply in the email. Make sure you're signed in to the same account the email was sent to.

I'm getting emails from someone I don't want to hear from. Block them from your conversation with them or from their profile. See Blocking and safety in messages.

I see messages on one device but not another. Make sure you're signed in to the same account on both. Refresh the page on the device that looks out of date.