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

# Communication Channels

> All the communication channels your AI agent can use to interact with contacts.

## Overview

Conduit supports 12 communication channels, all funneling into a single unified inbox. Your AI agent can send and receive messages across every connected channel, and contacts see a single continuous conversation regardless of which channel they use.

<Note>
  Each channel needs to be connected before your AI agent can use it. Some channels (like phone and WhatsApp) require verification steps. See the dedicated setup guides below.
</Note>

## Phone & SMS

Connect business phone numbers for two-way SMS, outbound and inbound calling, and group messaging. Numbers can be new (provisioned by Conduit) or ported from an existing VoIP provider.

Key features:

* Two-way SMS messaging
* Inbound and outbound voice calls
* Call groups for routing inbound calls to selected teammates
* Group messaging with multiple recipients
* Mobile Call Bridge (place calls from mobile using your business number)

<Card title="Phone & SMS Setup Guide" icon="phone" href="/setting-up-conduit/connect-phone-and-sms">
  Request or port a number, configure SMS, set up call groups, and enable Mobile Call Bridge.
</Card>

## VoiceAI

Dedicated AI-powered phone numbers where an AI agent answers calls, handles conversations, and escalates to humans when needed. Supports custom voices, multilingual conversations, scheduled availability, and warm transfers.

Key features:

* AI agent answers calls with configurable voice and personality
* Warm transfer with conversation context to human agents
* Scheduled availability (24/7 or business hours only)
* Route existing phone numbers to VoiceAI for after-hours coverage

<Card title="VoiceAI Setup Guide" icon="microphone" href="/setting-up-conduit/connect-voiceai-ai-number">
  Claim a VoiceAI number, configure your agent's voice and behavior, and set up call routing.
</Card>

## Email

Connect your company domain email addresses to send and receive emails through Conduit. Supports Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and any email provider that supports forwarding.

Key features:

* Send from your company email addresses (e.g., [support@yourcompany.com](mailto:support@yourcompany.com))
* DKIM and return path authentication for deliverability
* Up to 10 email addresses per domain
* Automatic reply-from matching (replies come from the address the contact originally emailed)
* Alternate email address management

<Card title="Email Setup Guide" icon="envelope" href="/setting-up-conduit/connect-email">
  Set up email forwarding, DNS records, and alternate addresses.
</Card>

## WhatsApp Business

Connect your WhatsApp Business account to manage all WhatsApp conversations in Conduit. Supports both text messaging and incoming voice calls.

Key features:

* Full WhatsApp Business API integration
* Message template management and sync
* Incoming WhatsApp voice calls (via Meta Business setup)
* Use existing numbers or provision new ones through Conduit

<Card title="WhatsApp Setup Guide" icon="message" href="/setting-up-conduit/connect-whatsapp">
  Connect your WhatsApp Business account and configure messaging templates.
</Card>

## Facebook Messenger

Connect your Facebook Business page to manage Messenger conversations in Conduit. Messages from your Facebook page flow directly into the unified inbox.

**Setup**: Navigate to **Settings > Channels > Messenger** and connect your Facebook page.

## Instagram DMs

Connect your Instagram Business or Creator account to manage Instagram direct messages in Conduit.

**Setup**: Navigate to **Settings > Channels > Instagram** and connect your Instagram account.

<Note>
  Facebook Messenger and Instagram connections require a Meta Business account. Both channels use Meta's Business API for message delivery.
</Note>

## Chat Widget

An embeddable chat interface for your website. Visitors can start conversations that flow directly into your Conduit inbox, with full AI agent support.

Key features:

* Customizable header, greeting, and assistant name
* Real-time conversations with AI or human agents
* Trusted domain restrictions
* Conversation history preserved in inbox

<Card title="Widget Setup Guide" icon="comments" href="/setting-up-conduit/connect-widget">
  Configure your widget appearance and embed it on your website.
</Card>

## Booking Platform Messaging

For teams using property management or booking systems, Conduit receives messages from connected booking platforms as a dedicated channel. Messages appear in the inbox alongside all other channels.

This channel is activated automatically when you [connect a PMS](/setting-up-conduit/connect-pms).

## Slack

Connect Slack for team notifications and message management. Approve, dismiss, or edit AI-generated responses directly from Slack without opening Conduit.

Key features:

* Customer message alerts in your chosen Slack channel
* Approve, edit, or dismiss AI responses from Slack
* Navigate to full conversation context with one click
* Channel cleanup with `/clear_channel`

<Card title="Slack Setup Guide" icon="hashtag" href="/setting-up-conduit/connect-slack">
  Connect your Slack workspace and configure notification preferences.
</Card>

## Helpdesk Connectors

Connect third-party helpdesk systems to route their tickets and messages into Conduit. This allows your AI agent to handle helpdesk conversations alongside other channels.

**Setup**: Navigate to **Settings > Channels** or **Settings > Connections** to connect your helpdesk system.

## CRM Messaging

Connect CRM systems to receive and respond to messages routed through your CRM platform.

**Setup**: Navigate to **Settings > Channels** or **Settings > Connections** to configure your CRM messaging integration.

***

## Channel Routing

When a new contact reaches out on any channel, [inbox routing rules](/setting-up-conduit/inbox-routing) determine which inbox they land in. Without routing rules, contacts go to the Unmapped inbox.

<Tip>
  Set up routing rules for every connected channel to ensure contacts land in the right inbox automatically. This also ensures the correct AI agent handles each conversation.
</Tip>