# Overview

Connect a messaging surface, define routing and permissions, test inbound and outbound behavior, and operate the channel safely.

![Channels in Foxora v5.0.3](/docs/images/v5.0.3/settings/channels.webp)

## Where this lives

Open **Settings → Channels**.

Channels connect supported messaging surfaces to Foxora bots or agents. Routing rules determine which destination handles an inbound message and where replies are sent.

> **Safety:** Channel content is untrusted and may be visible to many people. Restrict senders, rooms, tools, and sensitive outputs; verify the destination before posting or sending.

## Steps

1. Open **Settings → Channels**.
2. Connect a messaging surface.
3. Define routing and permissions.
4. Test inbound and outbound behavior, and operate the channel safely.
5. Open Channels, configure the exact inbound and outbound transport, assign the intended agent or bot, and verify a real received message plus a real reply before treating the channel as ready.
6. **Confirm the result.** Send a test message from an allowed location and a blocked location, then verify routing, identity, reply destination, tool activity, and channel audit history.

## Choose the right path

- Route repeatable public or team conversations to a bot.
- Route controlled internal requests to a specialist agent.
- Use a workflow when a message should start a fixed multi-step process.


## Confirm it worked

- Send a test message from an allowed location and a blocked location, then verify routing, identity, reply destination, tool activity, and channel audit history.
- The screen, command, file, run, or destination named in this guide reflects the expected state.