Ever received a mysterious envelope icon in your Gmail or Google Chat, hinting at a message waiting in the wings? That’s a Google Chat message request! Whether it’s a friend reaching out or an unknown contact, knowing how to respond empowers you to control your chat experience. Here’s a quick guide on navigating these requests.

There are two main ways to respond to a Google Chat message request, depending on your situation:1. Accepting the request:
If you recognise the sender and want to chat with them, accepting the request is straightforward. Here’s how:
* Open the message request: In your Gmail inbox or Google Chat app, locate the message request notification. It will usually have an envelope icon instead of the sender’s profile picture.
* Click “Accept”: Within the message request notification, you’ll see options like “Accept” or “Ignore.” Click on “Accept” to allow the sender to message you directly.
* Start Chatting: Once you accept, the message thread will open, and you can begin chatting with the sender. You’ll now see their basic profile information like name and email address (optional).

2. Ignoring the request:
If you don’t recognise the sender or don’t want to chat with them, you can simply ignore the request. Here’s how:
* Open the Message Request: Locate the message request notification as mentioned above.
* Click “Ignore”: Within the message request notification, choose the “Ignore” option.
* Optional: Block the User: If you’re concerned about spam or inappropriate messages, you can also select “Also block” to prevent the sender from sending you further requests.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:* Privacy Settings: The sender won’t be notified if you choose to ignore their message request.
* Reviewing Requests Later: Even after ignoring a request, you can still access it later in your Gmail settings under “See all chats.”