# Message requests

Strangers can write to you, but you decide whether to answer.

## How requests work

A first message from someone you have not connected with arrives as a request. Accept, delete or block it from inside the chat. Replying accepts it too.

Until you accept, they cannot see that you are typing or that you read it.

## Being added to groups

Only people you have connected with can add you to a group.

## Who can find you

People can find you by exact email or phone number. Search by username is off for new accounts; turn it on in Settings → Discovery.

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Source: https://chat.ababilx.com/docs/message-requests
Last updated: 2026-09-12