Every tutor you've contacted has a conversation with you in Messages. You can read and reply there on a computer or a phone.
1. See when you have new messages
A number next to Messages (1) shows how many conversations have messages you haven't read. On a phone it shows on the Messages tab.
If a message stays unread for a few minutes, we email you too. You can also choose to get a text; see Choose your notifications and cookie settings.
2. Open Messages
Select Messages. Your conversations are listed on the left, newest first, each with the tutor's name and the last message (1). On a computer, the most recent conversation opens beside the list. A New messages line shows where the messages you haven't read start.
Select a conversation (1) to open it. Your messages are on the right in green; your tutor's are on the left. Under each message you sent you'll see the time and Delivered or Seen (2). Seen means your tutor has read it.
At the start of each conversation, a reminder asks you not to share contact details in messages. Please keep all communication on Tutorspot.
If the conversation began with a tutor request you sent from the tutor's profile, a Your tutor request card (1) sits under the reminder. It shows the Subject, Level and whether you asked for Lessons online or in person. Your own words from the request are the first message below it.
3. Write and send a reply
Type in Start typing... (1) at the bottom. Press Enter or select Send (2) to send. To start a new line without sending, press Shift+Enter.
Your message appears in the conversation with Delivered (1). It changes to Seen once your tutor reads it.
If a message doesn't send
If your connection drops, the message turns red with Not sent (1), and you'll see Unable to send message. Please try again. Your words aren't lost. Select Retry (2) to send it again, or Edit (3) to put it back in the box and change it first.
Find a conversation
Type a tutor's first name or initial in Search by first name or initial (1) at the top of the list. Accents don't matter: "zoe" finds Zoë. Select the cross to clear the search.
On a phone
Select Messages in the tab bar to see your conversations, then select one to open it.
Type in the box at the bottom (1) and select Send. On a phone, Enter adds a new line, so use the Send button. The + button (2) has more options. Select the back arrow at the top to return to your conversations.
Good to know
Messages are text only; you can't attach files. To share work, use your workspace.
New messages appear without refreshing the page.
You can't start a new conversation yourself. A conversation begins when you contact a tutor from their profile.