Inbox and messaging on iOS
The Inbox tab on iPhone is your team's shared SMS inbox — the exact same conversations as the web, with reply, done/reopen, compose, and AI suggested replies.
Read and reply
- Tap the Inbox tab. Conversations are listed with unread indicators; segments filter Open, Done, and All.
- Tap a conversation to open the thread — texts, pictures, calls, voicemails with transcripts, and AI agent activity all appear in one timeline.
- Type in the composer and send. Replies go out from your business number, visible to your whole team.
- To send a photo or PDF, tap + at the left of the composer and choose Photo Library, Take Photo or Choose File. Tap a photo in the thread to view it full screen; tap a PDF to open it. Full details: Send photos and PDFs in a text.
AI suggested replies
When a new text arrives, tap the sparkles button in the composer to get up to three ready-to-send reply drafts, grounded in how your team has answered before. Tap one to fill the composer, edit if you like, and send.
Manage conversations
- Mark done — swipe or use the thread's controls to mark a conversation done; reopen it the same way. Done/open state syncs to the whole team.
- Start a new conversation — tap the round +. It unfolds into New message (type a number or search contacts, pick the From line if you own several, write the text, Send — the thread opens), Choose a contact (opens their existing thread, or a new message addressed to them) and New contact (save them, then text them). Full walkthrough: Text a new number from the inbox.
If texting isn't turned on yet
US local numbers need a one-time Text messaging setup (10DLC registration) before they can send texts. Until it's done, a banner sits above the composer — and at the top of the New message sheet — with the current state:
- Texting isn't on yet → Turn on texting opens Settings → Numbers → Text messaging setup on app.ody.co (registration is completed on the web).
- Texting is being connected → your details are in; calls work now and the owner gets an email when texting is live.
- Texting registration needs a fix / Enter your texting verification code → the carrier needs something from you; the button opens the exact step.
On a free trial, the banner adds Turning on texting ends your free trial · Start my plan. Tapping it opens the same End trial sheet as a locked message — see Texting during the free trial.
How the inbox stays fresh
While the app is open, screens poll for changes automatically — roughly every 10 seconds on the inbox list and every 5 seconds in an open thread — so incoming texts appear on their own. The app doesn't yet send push notifications when it's closed; see Notifications on iOS.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the iPhone inbox the same as the web inbox?
Yes — it's the same shared inbox. Anything you read, reply to, or mark done on iPhone updates for your whole team everywhere.
How fresh is the inbox?
Screens refresh automatically while you're looking at them — the inbox about every 10 seconds and an open thread about every 5 — so new texts appear without pull-to-refresh.
Can I text someone new from the app?
Yes — tap the + button, then New message to type any number or search contacts, Choose a contact, or New contact. Send your first text and the thread opens in the shared inbox.
Why does the app say texting isn't on yet?
Your number hasn't finished Text messaging setup (10DLC registration). The banner above the composer tells you the current step and opens the setup page on app.ody.co. Calls work the whole time.