> Source: https://docs.logos.co/messaging/get-started/send-1-1-messages-logos-chat
> Markdown index of all Logos docs: https://docs.logos.co/llms.txt

# Send 1:1 messages with the Logos Chat app

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

> **Tip: Version**
>
> This document is accurate for **Testnet v0.2.1**.

This procedure shows how to use the [Logos Chat](https://docs.logos.co/get-started/glossary.md#logos-chat) app to exchange encrypted 1:1 messages between two running instances. The [app](https://docs.logos.co/get-started/glossary.md#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](https://docs.logos.co/get-started/glossary.md#module): ephemeral identity, address-based contact discovery, and encrypted messaging with no central server. Use this procedure to verify the setup works or to explore the messaging flow for development purposes.

Identity, conversations, and message history exist only while the app is running. Restarting an instance gives it a new identity and clears all conversations.

> **Info: Prerequisites**
>
>
> - [Basecamp installed](https://docs.logos.co/basecamp/install-logos-basecamp.md), version [0.3.2](https://github.com/logos-co/logos-basecamp/releases/tag/0.3.2) or later.
> - Network access.

## What to expect

- You can run the Logos Chat app without building from source by installing it through Logos [Basecamp](https://docs.logos.co/get-started/glossary.md#basecamp).
- You can exchange encrypted messages between two instances in real time once one instance has opened a conversation with the other's address.
- 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 be started with the instructions below.

1.  In the left bar of Logos Basecamp, select **Package Manager**.

    ![Logos Basecamp screenshot](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/logos-co/logos-docs/main/docs/messaging/assets/send-1-1-messages-logos-chat/basecamp-package-manager.png)
1.  Find **Chat** (type `ui_qml`) in the [package](https://docs.logos.co/get-started/glossary.md#package) list and click **INSTALL** in its row. The **Install Package?** dialogue lists the `chat_module` and `delivery_module` packages it depends on. Click **Install** to confirm.

    ![Logos Basecamp package installation screenshot](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/logos-co/logos-docs/main/docs/messaging/assets/send-1-1-messages-logos-chat/basecamp-install-packages.png)
1. Wait until the **Action** column reads **INSTALLED** for both **Chat** and **Chat Module**.
1. In the left bar, select the new chat icon to launch the Logos Chat app.

## Step 2: Start a conversation

The app auto-initialises on launch. The bottom-left panel shows your identity, an **Online** indicator, and your hexadecimal **address** with a copy button next to it. To open a conversation, one instance needs the other's address. The steps below refer to the two instances as **A** and **B**.

![Logos Chat App UI screenshot](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/logos-co/logos-docs/main/docs/messaging/assets/send-1-1-messages-logos-chat/chat-app-screenshot.png)

**On instance B:**

1. Wait until the bottom-left panel shows **Online**.
1. Click the copy button next to your address.
1. Send the address to instance A through any [out-of-band](https://docs.logos.co/get-started/glossary.md#out-of-band) [channel](https://docs.logos.co/get-started/glossary.md#channel).

**On instance A:**

1. Click **New chat**, then select **Direct message** ("One person, by address").
1. In the **New DM** dialogue, paste B's address under **Paste the other user's address**.
1. Click **Create**. A new conversation appears in A's conversation list.

Instance B does not need to accept anything. The conversation appears in B's list when A's first message arrives, which you send in the next step.

## Step 3: Send and receive messages

1. On instance A, select the conversation you created in [Step 2](#step-2-start-a-conversation).
1.  Type a message in the message input field, then press `Enter` or click the send button.

    Your messages appear right-aligned in the chat panel; the counterparty's messages appear left-aligned, each with a timestamp.
1.  Observe instance B.

    **Expected result:** the conversation appears in B's list with an unread badge, and the exact message text appears as an incoming (left-aligned) bubble in B's chat panel within a few seconds. Select the conversation on B and reply; the reply 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](https://docs.logos.co/get-started/glossary.md#peer-discovery).

### A previously open conversation has disappeared

Conversations are ephemeral and are not persisted between sessions. Open a new conversation with **New chat** > **Direct message** using the other instance's current address.