When your accountant or bookkeeper sends you a message about a Costs item, you read and reply to it in the Dext mobile app. This article covers finding a message and replying to it. Accountants and bookkeepers send item messages from the client account. For their steps, go to How to use item messaging in Dext
Important:
Only your accountant or bookkeeper can start a conversation.
You can only reply to messages in the Dext mobile app, not in the Dext web app.
Item messaging is only available if your accountant or bookkeeper pays for your Dext subscription.
Reply to a message about an item
To reply to a message about an item, open the message from Communications in the Dext mobile app:
Open the Dext mobile app.
Tap the bell icon at the top right of the Costs tab. This opens Communications.
Tap the Messages tab.
Tap the conversation for the item.
Write your reply in the Write a message… field and tap send.
You can also reply from the item. Open the item from the Costs tab, tap the message icon at the top of the item, and write your reply. If you got a push notification, open it and tap the item.
How you find out about a new message
When your accountant or bookkeeper sends you a message, you get:
A push notification on your phone, if notifications are turned on for Dext
The message in Communications, which you open with the bell icon
The item also shows a message icon on your Costs tab. To turn on push notifications, go to Getting started with the Dext mobile app
What happens after you reply
After you reply, the person who sent the message gets a notification under the bell icon in the Dext web app, and a pop-up while they're logged in. They read your reply on the Messages tab of the item.
Common questions about replying to item messages
These are the questions people ask most about item messages in the app.
Why can't I see a message in the Dext mobile app?
You only see item messages if your accountant or bookkeeper pays for your Dext subscription. If you pay for Dext directly, this feature is not available.
I didn't get a push notification. Can I still reply?
Yes. Open the Messages tab in Communications to see your messages, even if you didn't get a push notification. Push notifications only arrive if notifications are turned on for Dext on your phone. Dext doesn't send item messages by email.
Can I start a message to my accountant about an item?
No. You can reply to a message your accountant or bookkeeper started, but you can't start a conversation. To ask about an item, contact your accountant or bookkeeper directly.
Can I reply to an item message in the Dext web app?
No. Item messages are only available in the Dext mobile app for the person who receives them. Log in to the Dext mobile app to read and reply.
Why does my accountant say they can't send me a message?
Your accountant or bookkeeper can only send you a message if you have the Dext mobile app and you've logged in to it. Download the app and log in. For set-up steps, go to Getting started with the Dext mobile app