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

# Channels

> Reach your bots from Slack, WhatsApp, Telegram, iMessage and Feishu.

A **channel** lets people talk to a bot from a chat app they already use. Messages arrive in the bot's own chat for that conversation, and the bot replies in the app.

## Supported apps

| App | Direct messages | Group chats |
| - | - | - |
| Slack | Yes | Yes (channels) |
| WhatsApp (Business) | Yes | No |
| Telegram | Yes | No |
| iMessage (through Sendblue) | Yes | Yes |
| Feishu | Yes | No |

A channel only appears once the server has it set up. On a self-hosted server, see [Configuration](https://docs.usecadence.gg/self-hosting/configuration.md#channels).

## Connect your chat app to a bot

1. Open **Settings**, then **Messaging**.
2. Pick a **Bot**.
3. Open **Connect a chat app** and choose the app.
4. Cadence shows a short code and an address. Send the code to that address from the app within 10 minutes.

Once the code arrives, your account in that app is linked to the bot. Use **Unlink** to remove it.

## Slack workspaces

For Slack, click **Connect** to add Cadence to your workspace. Then use **Link DMs** to talk to your bot in direct messages, or invite it to channels. **Add workspace** connects another one.

## Group invites and requests

When someone adds your bot to a group, or another bot asks to connect, the request appears under **Requests**. Click **Approve** or **Decline**.

## Conversation settings

Each conversation under **Conversations** has **Settings**:

| Setting | Options |
| - | - |
| **Listening** | The bot's default, **Listen** to every message, or **Mentions only**. |
| **Room guidance** | Extra instructions for this conversation only. |
| **Automated senders** | For messages from other bots and systems: **Ignore**, **Group updates** every few hours, **Always act**, or **Treat like a person**. |

## Routines from messages

A [routine](https://docs.usecadence.gg/work/routines.md) can start when a bot receives a message from a channel, for example every new Slack message.


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