> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.doubletick.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.doubletick.io/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats.md).

# Start and manage chats

Start conversations, manage chat status, assign and control access, and stay compliant with WhatsApp's messaging rules — all from the DoubleTick inbox.

This section covers everything involved in running conversations on DoubleTick — from understanding WhatsApp's 24-hour messaging rule, to starting a new chat, navigating the inbox, assigning and closing conversations, and managing customer opt-ins and blocks.

#### In this section

* [Understanding the 24-hour messaging window](https://learn.doubletick.io/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats/understanding-the-24-hour-messaging-window)
* [How to start a chat with a customer](https://learn.doubletick.io/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats/how-to-start-a-chat-with-a-customer)
* [How to navigate the inbox](https://learn.doubletick.io/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats/how-to-navigate-the-inbox)
* [How to assign chats](https://learn.doubletick.io/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats/how-to-assign-chats)
* [How to block or unblock customers](https://learn.doubletick.io/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats/how-to-block-or-unblock-customers)
* [How to delete a chat](https://learn.doubletick.io/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats/how-to-clear-or-delete-chats)
* [How to manage chats](https://learn.doubletick.io/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats/how-to-mark-chats-as-read-or-done)
* [Whatsapp opt in: what it is and how to manage it](https://learn.doubletick.io/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats/whatsapp-opt-in-what-it-is-and-how-to-manage-it)


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