> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.logos.co/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.logos.co/messaging/get-started/send-1-1-messages-logos-chat.md).

# Send 1:1 messages with the Logos Chat app

#### Try out end-to-end encrypted private messaging over the Logos network.

This procedure shows how to use the Logos Chat app to exchange encrypted 1:1 messages between two running instances. The app is a QML and C++ UI built on top of the [`logos-chat-module`](https://github.com/logos-co/logos-chat-module), which wraps the [Logos Chat SDK](https://github.com/logos-messaging/logos-chat). It demonstrates the basic private-messaging capabilities of the Logos Chat Module: ephemeral identity, intro-bundle handshake, and encrypted messaging with no central server. Use this procedure to verify the setup works or to explore the messaging flow for development purposes.

{% hint style="info" %}
Identity, conversations, and message history exist only while the app is running. Restarting an instance gives it a new identity and clears all conversations.
{% endhint %}

You need the following to complete this procedure:

* Linux or macOS
* Network access so both instances can reach each other
* Two running instances of the app — on two separate machines, or in two terminals on the same machine

## What to expect

* You can run the Logos Chat app without building from source by installing it through Logos Basecamp.
* You can exchange encrypted messages between two instances in real time after completing the intro-bundle handshake.
* You can verify delivery by confirming each message appears on the receiving instance within a few seconds.

## Step 1: Run the Logos Chat app

You need two running instances to complete this procedure. Each instance can use either of the options below independently.

{% hint style="info" %}
When using Nix, all build dependencies — including Qt6, `logos-chat-module`, and `liblogoschat` — are fetched automatically.
{% endhint %}

### Option A — Run in Logos Basecamp

1. Download and [install](https://github.com/logos-co/logos-docs/blob/main/docs/basecamp/install-logos-basecamp.md) the latest release of Logos Basecamp from `github.com/logos-co/logos-basecamp/releases`.
2. In the left bar, select **Package Manager**.

   ![Logos Basecamp screenshot](/files/E6zmwOdNO5CCqGYWpQo2)
3. Select `logos-chat-module` and `logos-chat-ui`, then click **Install**.

   ![Logos Basecamp package installation screenshot](/files/M5yHls7F2VR1F9duKatr)
4. Wait until a green **Installed** label appears next to both modules.
5. In the left bar, select **chat** to launch the Logos Chat app.

### Option B — Build and run locally with Nix

1. Clone the repository and check out the target release:

   ```bash
   git clone https://github.com/logos-co/logos-chatsdk-ui
   cd logos-chatsdk-ui
   git checkout v0.1.0
   ```
2. Run the standalone app:

   ```bash
   # Nix fetches all dependencies automatically
   nix run
   ```

## Step 2: Exchange intro bundles

The app auto-initialises on launch and displays your identity ID in the bottom status bar. Perform the steps below on **both** instances — referred to here as **A** and **B**.

![Logos Chat App UI screenshot](/files/stpd5XCyT42XZfmtRmjZ)

**On instance A:**

1. Click **Get Intro Bundle**, then click **Copy to Clipboard**.

   The bundle is a string starting with `logos_chatintro…`.
2. Send the copied bundle to instance B through any out-of-band channel.
3. Close the **My Bundle** popup.

**On instance B:**

1. Click **+ new**.
2. Paste A's intro bundle into the dialogue, then type an intro message (default: `Hello!`).
3. Confirm. A new conversation appears in B's conversation list.

**Back on instance A:**

1. Confirm the new conversation appears automatically in A's conversation list, then select it.
2. Verify that B's intro message is visible in the chat panel.

## Step 3: Send and receive messages

1. Select the shared conversation in either instance.
2. Type a message in the message input field, then press `Enter` or click `>>`.

   Your messages appear right-aligned in the chat panel; the counterparty's messages appear left-aligned, each with a timestamp.
3. From instance A, send a message and observe instance B.

   **Expected result:** the exact message text appears as an incoming (left-aligned) bubble in B's chat panel within a few seconds. A reply from B appears as an incoming bubble in A.

## Troubleshooting Logos Chat

### Messages never arrive and the left panel shows "Waiting for connection…"

Both instances need to reach a shared bootstrap peer to connect to the peer-to-peer network and discover each other. Ensure that both instances have a stable internet connection for peer discovery.

### A previously open conversation has disappeared

Conversations are ephemeral and are not persisted between sessions. Re-exchange intro bundles between the two instances to open a new conversation.


---

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