AWS IoT Core now supports direct messaging for point-to-point communication

Posted on: May 28, 2026

AWS IoT Core now supports the ability to send point-to-point messages to any connected device, providing better visibility into message delivery and lower messaging cost. AWS IoT Core is a fully managed service that securely connects IoT devices to the AWS cloud, and enables bi-directional messaging between IoT devices and cloud services.

Previously, sending messages to a single IoT device required publishing to a topic subscribed by the device, with no built-in way to confirm delivery from the receiving device. With the SendDirectMessage API, you can send a message directly to any device connected to AWS IoT Core, and opt-in to receive delivery acknowledgement from the device. AWS IoT Core also uses the delivery acknowledgement to provide detailed API response codes and emit Amazon CloudWatch Logs, giving you visibility into message delivery status and failure reasons.

Direct messaging is available in all AWS Regions where AWS IoT Core is available, including Amazon China and AWS GovCloud (US). To get started, see the direct messaging developer guide. For pricing details, visit the AWS IoT Core pricing page.