You check email in Cyberpunk 2077 through your in-game phone, which you access by holding Tab on PC or the designated button on console

Your character V receives messages throughout the game from quest-givers, fixers, romance interests, and other NPCs. To read these messages, you need to open your phone — the same device you use to call people and fast-travel. On PC, hold Tab to bring up the phone menu. On PlayStation, hold the touchpad. On Xbox, hold the View button. Once the phone is open, look for the Messages or Email section, which displays all incoming communications in chronological order.

The phone interface shows unread messages with a notification indicator, usually a small badge or highlight. You can scroll through your message history to re-read old conversations or check details about active quests. Some messages contain important information about where to go next or what you need to do, so checking your email regularly helps you stay on track with the game's main story and side jobs.

Key Takeaways

  • Open your phone by holding Tab (PC), the touchpad (PlayStation), or View (Xbox) to access your messages.
  • Messages appear in your phone's Messages or Email section and show unread notifications so you know what is new.
  • Quest-related messages often contain objectives, locations, or dialogue that moves the story forward.
  • You can scroll back through old messages to review details about active jobs or past conversations.

Where messages appear on your phone screen

When you open your phone, the main menu shows several options. The Messages or Email tab is usually one of the first options you see, sometimes labeled as "Messages" or "Inbox." Selecting this option displays a list of all your conversations, with the most recent at the top. Unread messages typically appear in a different color or with a notification badge so you can spot new communications when ready.

Each message shows the sender's name and a preview of the first line of text. Tapping or clicking on a message opens the full conversation, allowing you to read the complete text. Some messages include attachments or additional information like quest markers on your map or waypoints that automatically update your objectives.

Types of messages you will receive

Different characters and organizations send you different kinds of messages. Fixers like Delamain, Rogue, and others send you job offers and updates about available work. Quest-givers send messages with story details, location information, or instructions on what to do next. Romance interests send personal messages that develop your relationship with them. Some messages are purely informational, while others require you to take action or respond by traveling to a location or completing an objective.

Pay attention to messages from main story characters, as they often contain critical plot information. Side job messages from fixers usually include payment details and what you need to do to complete the work. Ignoring messages does not fail quests, but it can make the game confusing because you may miss where you are supposed to go or what you are supposed to do.

How to respond to messages

Not all messages in Cyberpunk 2077 allow direct responses the way a real email would. Instead, messages serve as one-way communications from NPCs to you. However, some messages prompt you to take action — like traveling to a location, calling someone back, or completing a task. When a message requires a response, the game usually makes it clear through quest markers or objective updates.

If you need to contact someone who has messaged you, you can use your phone's call function to reach them directly. Open your phone, find the Contacts section, and select the person you want to call. This is how you initiate conversations with fixers to accept jobs or with other characters to move quests forward.

Managing your message inbox

Your message inbox can fill up quickly as you progress through the game. You can delete old messages to keep your inbox organized, though this is optional and does not affect gameplay. Deleting a message removes it from your list, but the quest or objective it relates to remains active if you have already accepted it.

Some players prefer to keep all messages for reference, while others delete them to reduce clutter. There is no penalty for either approach. If you delete a message by accident, you cannot recover it, so be careful when removing communications you might need later. The game does not have a "trash" folder or recovery system for deleted messages.

Troubleshooting if you cannot see messages

If your phone is not showing messages or the Messages section appears empty, check that you have actually received communications. Early in the game, you may not have many messages yet. As you progress and accept jobs, messages will accumulate. Make sure you are looking in the correct section of your phone — some players accidentally check the wrong menu.

If your phone is not opening at all, verify that you are using the correct button for your platform. On PC, Tab must be held rather than tapped. On console, make sure you are holding the button long enough for the menu to appear. If the phone still will not open, try restarting the game or checking that your controls are mapped correctly in the settings menu.

Why checking messages matters for gameplay

Messages are how the game communicates with you outside of dialogue scenes. They tell you where to go, what to do, and provide context for quests and story events. Ignoring messages can leave you confused about your objectives or cause you to miss time-sensitive opportunities. Some side jobs have windows of availability, and messages alert you when work is available.

Regularly checking your phone also helps you stay immersed in the game world. The messages feel like part of Night City's communication system, making the setting feel more alive and reactive to your actions. Characters follow up with you through messages, creating a sense of ongoing relationships and consequences for your choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn off message notifications?

Cyberpunk 2077 does not have a built-in option to disable message notifications entirely. However, you can ignore messages without penalty — they will remain in your inbox for you to read later. If notifications are distracting, you can straightforward avoid opening your phone frequently and check messages only when you want to.

Do I lose messages if I do not read them?

No. Unread messages stay in your inbox indefinitely until you delete them manually. You can go back and read old messages at any time, even if they are weeks old in real time. The game does not auto-delete or expire messages based on time.

What happens if I delete a message about a quest?

Deleting a message does not cancel the quest or objective it relates to. If you have already accepted a job, it remains active in your quest log. However, you lose the message text itself, so you cannot re-read the details. If the message contained a location or instruction you forgot, you may need to rely on your quest markers or objective descriptions.

Can I send messages to other characters?

You cannot send messages through the phone's email system. Communication with other characters happens through phone calls or in-person dialogue. When you call someone, you speak with them directly rather than leaving a message.

Why am I not receiving messages from a specific character?

Messages only arrive when the game's story or quest logic triggers them. If you have not progressed far enough in a quest or relationship, you may not receive messages from that character yet. Some messages only appear after you complete certain objectives or reach specific points in the story.