> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dogebot.net/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# The Inbox

> Read and answer WhatsApp chats yourself.

The **Inbox** is where **you** (or your team) can read and answer WhatsApp chats yourself, like in the WhatsApp app.

Open it from the sidebar when your WhatsApp number is picked. It fills the whole screen.

## The parts of the Inbox

| Part | What it shows |
| - | - |
| **Top bar** | Back, your number's name, how many chats are unread, and a link to **Flows**. |
| **Chats** (left) | Every chat, with unread counts and a search box. |
| **Conversation** (middle) | The messages in the chat you picked. |
| **Details** (right) | The customer's number, their last message, how much time is left in the 24-hour reply window, and who is answering: the bot or a person. |

## Answering a chat

Type your message and send it. As soon as **you** reply, you **take over** the chat: the bot stops answering that customer, so you don't talk over each other.

* **Take over**: pause the bot for this chat without writing anything yet.
* **Hand back to the bot**: let the bot answer this customer again.

Your flows can also send chats here with the **Hand over to a person** block.

## Sending pictures and files

* **Photos**: JPG or PNG up to **5 MB**, with a caption. Use the paperclip, drag the picture in, or paste it.
* **Documents**: PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, CSV or text files up to **16 MB**.
* **Emoji**: use the emoji picker.

Photos customers send show in the chat, and their documents can be downloaded. Pictures, audio, video and PDFs open in your browser; other files download. WhatsApp keeps customer files for **30 days**.

## The 24-hour window

You can only send normal messages for **24 hours** after the customer's last message. The details column shows the time left. When it closes, the Inbox explains why you can't reply and you need an **approved template** to reach them.

## Who can use the Inbox?

Collaborators with the **Read and answer WhatsApp chats** permission. The Operator, Builder and Admin roles have it. See [Collaborators](/your-account/collaborators).


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