# Using status messages
<a name="status-message"></a>

Amazon Chime provides several preset status messages, such as **Available** and **Busy**. You can also choose from a set of common status messages, such as **Be right back** and **Out sick**. Finally, you can enter a 40-character custom message, such as **Meeting a huge deadline**, and you can add an emoji or other graphic to the message.

The following sets of steps explain how to use status messages.

**To use a preset status**

1. In the desktop client or web apps, choose your name.

1. On the menu that appears, point to **Automatic**.

1. On the menu that appears, choose a status, either **Automatic**, **Available**, **Busy**, **Do not disturb**, or **Private**.

Your choice remains in effect until you change it.

**To use other status messages**
+ Repeat step 1 in the procedure above, then do one of the following.

**Create a custom status message**

  1. Choose **Add a custom status message**.

  1. In the **Status message** dialog box, under **Enter an emoji and status below**, enter a status message.

  1. (Optional) Choose the smiling-emoji next to your message, then choose an emoji.

  1. When done, choose **Save**.

**Use a preset message**

  1. Under **Quick select options**, choose a message.

  1. (Optional) Choose **Do not disturb**. or **Internal only**.

  1. (Optional) Choose **Add a message**, then enter a message that others see while **Do not disturb** is on.

  1. (Optional) Choose **Internal only** to hide your status from anyone outside your organization.

  1. When done, choose **Save**.