> ## 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.

# Inbox Overview - Your Communication Hub

> Master CoachIQ's Inbox to communicate with athletes through in-app messages, SMS, and announcements. Learn when to use each message type.

<Info>
  **Where to find this**: Dashboard → Inbox
</Info>

## What is the Inbox?

Your Inbox is the central communication hub where you manage all messages with athletes and parents. Think of it as your coaching command center - every conversation, announcement, and text message flows through here.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/coachiq/8g7bHT9B5_N4Q5fi/images/inbox-all-messaging-types.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=8g7bHT9B5_N4Q5fi&q=85&s=b1fbac16b83d5f2fc4f1affcdc0235dc" alt="CoachIQ Inbox showing in-app messages, SMS, and announcements messaging channels" width="1382" height="982" data-path="images/inbox-all-messaging-types.png" />
</Frame>

## Three ways to communicate

CoachIQ gives you three distinct messaging channels, each designed for specific communication needs:

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="In-App Messages" icon="mobile">
    Direct messages to specific athletes that appear in their app and portal
  </Card>

  <Card title="SMS Messages" icon="message">
    Text messages sent to athletes' phones for urgent or time-sensitive info
  </Card>

  <Card title="Announcements" icon="megaphone">
    Broadcast messages to groups that appear as emails and in the app
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Understanding message types

### In-App Messages

**Best for**: Personal communication, session reminders, individual feedback

* Athletes must have the app installed or portal access
* No additional cost
* Supports attachments (forms, sessions, media, products)
* Athletes can reply directly
* Character limit: Unlimited

### SMS Messages

**Best for**: Urgent updates, last-minute changes, reaching parents

* Requires SMS setup (see [Setting Up SMS Messaging](/inbox/sms-messages))
* Cost: \$0.0079 per message (sent or received)
* Supports attachments as clickable links
* Athletes can reply via text
* Character limit: 155 for mass texts, 1400 for individual conversations

### Announcements

**Best for**: Team updates, schedule changes, general information

* Sends as both email and app notification
* No cost for unlimited announcements
* One-way communication (no replies in Inbox)
* Email replies go to your configured reply-to address
* Contact limit: 400 recipients per announcement (contact support to increase)

## Key Inbox features

<Steps>
  <Step title="Unified conversation view">
    All message types appear in one place, with tabs to filter by type (All, Unread, Announcements, In-App, SMS).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Smart recipient selection">
    Send to individuals, use tags for groups, or message by role (Admin, User, Customer).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Rich attachments">
    Attach forms for data collection, sessions for booking, products for purchase, or media for instruction.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Archive system">
    Keep your Inbox clean by archiving old conversations while maintaining full history.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Search functionality">
    Quickly find any conversation by searching for athlete names or message content.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Mark a conversation as unread

Marking a conversation as unread flags it so you remember to follow up later — it resurfaces under the **Unread** filter at the top of your Inbox.

1. In your **Inbox**, **right-click the conversation** in the list.
2. Select **Mark as unread** from the menu.

The conversation stays flagged and appears under the **Unread** filter until you open it again.

<Note>
  Mark as unread is currently available on **desktop only** (right-click). The same right-click menu also lets you **Archive** the conversation.
</Note>

## Quick decision guide

<Accordion title="Which message type should I use?">
  **Use In-App Messages when:**

  * Communicating with athletes who regularly use the app
  * Sending detailed instructions or feedback
  * Cost is a concern (free messaging)
  * You need back-and-forth conversation

  **Use SMS when:**

  * You need immediate attention
  * Reaching parents who don't use the app
  * Sending last-minute schedule changes
  * Athletes might not check the app regularly

  **Use Announcements when:**

  * Broadcasting to the entire team
  * Sending weekly schedules or updates
  * Making general announcements
  * You don't need replies in CoachIQ
</Accordion>

## Important limitations to know

<Warning>
  **Cannot delete messages**: Once sent, In-App and SMS messages cannot be deleted from conversations. Only announcements can be removed.
</Warning>

<Note>
  **SMS costs apply**: Each SMS message (sent or received) costs $0.0079. Mass texts to 100 athletes = $0.79.
</Note>

<Note>
  **Announcement limit**: Maximum 400 recipients per announcement by default. Contact support to increase this limit.
</Note>

## Getting started

Ready to start communicating? Here's your path:

1. [Set up SMS messaging](/inbox/sms-messages) to enable text communication
2. [Send your first message](/inbox/in-app-messages) to athletes
3. [Use tags for group messaging](/inbox/using-tags-for-group-messages) to save time
4. [Attach forms and sessions](/inbox/attaching-forms-schedulers-and-products) to drive action

## Pro tips

<Tip>
  **Cost-saving strategy**: Use In-App messages for regular communication and save SMS for urgent matters to minimize costs.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Engagement hack**: Attach a session scheduler to messages about practice changes - athletes can rebook immediately.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Organization tip**: Archive conversations weekly to keep your Inbox focused on active communications.
</Tip>

## Related articles

* [Setting Up SMS Messaging](/inbox/sms-messages)
* [Sending Messages to Athletes](/inbox/in-app-messages)
* [Announcements](/inbox/announcements)