Use the 1:1 messaging functionality for safe and secure private conversations between you and other residents in your building. This functionality helps you:
Complete marketplace transactions privately
Arrange pet sitting + plant sitting needs
Track down lost and found items
Have fun communicating with photos, gifs, and more
Note: If you don't see Direct Messaging in your app, please update to the latest version. If you see a white screen when you open Direct Messaging, please log out of the app and log back in.
Here is how to use the new Direct Messaging functionality:
Start a Conversation
Direct messaging conversations can be started from the Member Profile, the Members list, and the new Messages screen.
Member Profile: Navigate to the member profile by clicking on the profile image of a resident in Chat, in Groups, or in Gatherings. Once the member profile is opened, tap the new Message button to start a conversation.
Members List: Navigate to the list by tapping Members on the Chat screen. Then start a conversation by tapping the speech bubble to the right of the member’s name.
Messages Screen: Tap the two overlapping speech bubbles in the upper right hand corner of the Chat screen. The Messages screen is displayed and shows existing conversations. Tap a name or image to open an existing direct message conversation. To start a new conversation with another resident, tap the writing icon in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Search for a member and then tap the speech icon to the right of the name.
Get Alerted and Respond to Direct Messages
You are alerted of new messages and responses in multiple ways.
Notifications: You will receive push notifications if you have enabled these for the Cobu app. When tapping push notifications, the respective conversation is opened in the app.
Badge Alerts:
On the Chat screen, you will be alerted of new direct messages via a red dot next to the overlapping speech bubbles in the upper right hand corner of the screen.
On the Messages screen, you will be alerted via a red number dot that shows the number of new, unread messages in each conversation.
Send Images and Attachments
To send images or attachments, start or open a conversation and then tap into the text field that reads Send a message. Tap the paperclip icon and then select photos or grant access to the camera on your phone. Take or select the photo and tap on the arrow to send the image.
Select and Send Gifs
Start or open a conversation and then tap into the text field that reads Send a message. Tap the lighting bolt icon and choose Giphy. Enter a search term, tap the search icon, and tap through the selection of available GIFs. Tap Send to send the selected GIF.
Add Reactions
Quickly react to messages with a thumbs up, heart, smiley face, laugh, or clap. To add a reaction, tap the message that was sent to you and select a reaction.
View the Conversation Status
When you open the Messages screen, you can quickly view the status of each message. One grey checkmark indicates that the message was sent, and two blue checkmarks indicate that the message has been read.
Mute Conversations
When a conversation is muted, you will no longer be alerted of new messages from this user. To mute a conversation, open the conversation and tap the three ellipses in the top right hand corner of the screen. Choose Mute User. You can unmute the user at any time.
Flag Conversations
You have the option to flag a message if you find it to be inappropriate. To flag a message, tap the message that was sent to you and choose Flag Message. Then choose Cancel or Confirm to send the message to our moderation team for investigation. Our moderation team will be alerted of flagged messages and can choose to remove the resident from the Cobu app.
Block Users
You can block others from sending messages to you. If you have received a message, then you can open the conversation and tap the three ellipses in the top right hand corner of the screen. Choose Block User. The other user can no longer send a message and will see an alert when trying to message you. You can always unblock others by choosing Unblock User. If you want to block others before they send a message to you, you can start a direct message from their profile. Then tap the three ellipses in the top right hand corner of the screen and choose Block User.
Report Users
To report a user to the moderation team, open the conversation and tap the three ellipses in the top right hand corner of the screen. Choose Report User. Our moderation team will be alerted and will take action, which may include blocking the user from direct messaging with you or removing the user from the app entirely.