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

# Channels & Messaging

> Connect Email, WhatsApp, SMS, and Telegram to your SmartAlex agents. Manage all communication channels from one place.

## Overview

The Channels page is your central hub for connecting communication platforms to SmartAlex. Once connected, your AI agents can send and receive messages across all channels, and conversations appear in your [Unified Inbox](/essentials/inbox).

Navigate to **Channels** in your dashboard to get started.

## Available Channels

### Email

Connect your Gmail or Outlook account to let agents send and receive emails.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Channels → Messaging">
    Find the Email card and click **Connect**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose your provider">
    Select **Gmail** or **Outlook**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authorize access">
    A popup opens for you to sign in and grant SmartAlex permission to read and send emails on your behalf.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirmation">
    Once authorized, the card shows "Connected" with your email address.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### WhatsApp

Connect a WhatsApp Business account to handle customer messages.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Channels → Messaging">
    Find the WhatsApp card and click **Connect**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure your account">
    Enter your WhatsApp Business credentials in the setup modal.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify connection">
    Once connected, the card shows your business name and phone number.
  </Step>
</Steps>

After connecting, you can manage WhatsApp message templates in the **AI Settings** tab.

### SMS

Send and receive text messages through your SmartAlex phone numbers.

1. Go to **Channels → Messaging**
2. Find the SMS card and click **Connect**
3. Configure your SMS settings in the setup modal
4. Once connected, SMS is available through your assigned phone numbers

### Telegram

Connect a Telegram bot to handle messages.

1. Go to **Channels → Messaging**
2. Find the Telegram card and click **Connect**
3. Enter your bot token in the setup modal
4. Once connected, the card shows your bot username (e.g., `@your_bot`)

## Channel Tabs

The Channels page has five tabs:

| Tab              | Purpose                                                                                                                    |
| ---------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Messaging**    | Email, WhatsApp, SMS, Telegram connections                                                                                 |
| **Social**       | Connect Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads, Reddit, Snapchat, Google Business, and more |
| **Integrations** | Summary of per-agent integrations (CRMs, calendars, payments, and more)                                                    |
| **Ad Platforms** | Google Ads, Meta Ads, and TikTok Ads conversion tracking *(admin)*                                                         |
| **AI Settings**  | Configure AI auto-response behaviour                                                                                       |

## AI Settings

Control how your AI agents respond to messages across channels:

| Setting                         | Description                                                                |
| ------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **AI Messaging**                | Master toggle, enable or disable AI auto-responses                         |
| **Rate Limit**                  | Maximum responses per contact per hour (default: 10)                       |
| **Response Mode**               | Auto (sends immediately), Suggested (drafts for review), or Manual (no AI) |
| **Confidence Threshold**        | Minimum confidence level before AI responds automatically                  |
| **Auto-respond to new threads** | Whether AI responds to first-time email threads                            |
| **Email Signature**             | Custom HTML signature appended to AI-sent emails                           |

## Managing Connections

* **View status**: Each channel card shows a green "Connected" badge when active
* **Reconfigure**: Click **Manage** on a connected channel to update settings
* **Disconnect**: Open the channel settings to remove the connection

<Note>
  Disconnecting a channel doesn't delete message history. Past conversations remain in your [Unified Inbox](/essentials/inbox).
</Note>

## Best Practices

* **Connect all channels your customers use**, SmartAlex unifies them into one inbox
* **Start with Suggested mode**, review AI drafts before enabling fully automatic responses
* **Set up your email signature**, keeps AI-sent emails professional
* **Use WhatsApp templates**, pre-approved templates ensure message delivery