Understanding Why Your Private Message is Disabled on Quora

Have you ever tried sending a private message (PM) on Quora only to be met with a frustrating 'You can't send me a private message' prompt? This article will explain the common reasons behind this issue and provide actionable solutions to help you overcome this hurdle.

Why Can't You Send a Private Message?

The inability to send a private message can be attributed to settings on both your end and the recipient's end. This article delves into the underlying reasons and offers practical tips to help you resolve the issue.

Your Recipient Has Opted Out of Receiving Messages

One of the most common reasons for a private message to be disabled is that the recipient has chosen to disable messages from users who have not followed them. This setting is a useful tool for users who wish to reduce the volume of unsolicited messages they receive on Quora.

For a detailed explanation, you can refer to the following quote from a Quora user:

"You can't send me a private message because I don't follow you, even if you follow me, nor did I choose to send you a message first. I have chosen to disable anyone who wishes to send me a message from getting through on Quora. This is very simple and very useful."

Cautious User Practices

Another user mentions a practice where they only accept private messages from users who have a complete profile and provide a reason for the message. This approach helps filter out users who may have malicious intentions:

"I get lots of PM's from new Quora users with no profile details who only say 'Hello' so I block them. If people won't front up and say why they're contacting me, they're probably up to no good."

Screening by Screenshot

It's important to note that while private messages are meant to remain confidential, there are still ways for the recipient to become aware of the content. For example, someone can take a screenshot of the conversation and post it publicly:

"It was all private until someone posted a screenshot of the chat."

Additionally, it's a common practice in online platforms to have safeguards against unauthorized sharing of private content.

Message Settings on Quora

Quora's private messaging features are limited. You can send messages to some users, but not to all. Here are the key points:

Private messages work if the other person is following you, or they have enabled PM for all. To send a private message, you must click on the profile of the person you wish to message and select '3 dots' then 'message'. This option is only available if the person has enabled the message option for all or if both parties are following each other.

For further details, refer to the following quote:

"You need to click on the profile who you wish to text personally and click on 3 dots and select message. This will be possible only if the person has enabled message option to all else you need to ask the person to send message. Another way if both the parties are following each other there will not be restrictions you can send message to each other following same path: Profile 3dots message."

Checking Your Message Settings

If you aren't sure whether your private message settings are enabled, it's a good idea to check:

"I wasn't aware that it was. I've checked and as far as I can tell my PM is not disabled."

This article aims to clarify the reasons behind the disabling of private messages and provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and adjusting your message settings on Quora.