Channel types
| Channel | You need | Notes | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telegram | A bot token from @BotFather | One bot per channel. Admins can get a copy of every conversation. Understands and sends voice messages. | Connect a Telegram channel |
| A Meta app with a WhatsApp Business number | Text messages only. Credentials can't be changed after creation. | Connect WhatsApp | |
| Website widget | Access to your website's code | Works only on the sites in Allowed websites. | Embed the chat widget |
| API | A server that can make HTTPS requests | Keep the key secret. | Use the chat API |
An agent can have several channels, for example the same agent answering on Telegram and on your website.
Channel statuses
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | Clients get answers. |
| Stopped | Paused with Stop. Nothing is deleted; Start turns it back on. |
| Error | The channel can't work, usually because a token was revoked or expired. |
Telegram channels also show Webhook linked when Telegram is sending messages to AOVA, or Webhook not linked when it isn't.