> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.usereplier.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Opening messages and email collection

> Ask recipients to continue or provide an email before delivering your saved reply.

Opening and email steps work on Instagram and Facebook. Set them in the message editor or Studio flow editor, then preview and save.

## Set up the steps

* **Opening message:** Enable it, write a short invitation, and name the continuation button. The recipient must tap the button to proceed.
* **Email collection:** Enable it, write the email request, and write a retry message for invalid input. The recipient replies with an email address in the same conversation.

The order is **opening → Instagram follow check → email collection → saved message or message flow**. Disabled steps are skipped. Facebook skips only the follow check. Public comment replies are separate and do not wait for these steps.

For example, use “Would you like the checklist?” with a “Send it” button, then “Which email should we save for you?” before delivering the download link in the DM.

## What happens to the email?

Replier checks the address format only. It does not verify mailbox ownership, send a verification email, or email the saved content. Invalid input shows your retry message; valid input lets the automation continue.

The address appears in [Contacts](/guides/contacts) and exports as **Email (format checked, unverified)**. If multiple requests await an email in the same conversation, the most recent request consumes the reply before ordinary keyword matching.

## Test and change a gate

Test from another account: tap the opening button, complete any [follow check](/guides/follow-gate), submit an invalid address, then a valid one, and check the delivered message and contact record.

Saved edits apply to new interactions. Existing pending interactions retain their original settings. Pausing the automation stops further delivery; completing a step does not bypass a pause, expired messaging window, removed target, or sending limit.