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Connect channels with an AI agent

Use this workflow after agent setup has verified a native reply. Read the chosen provider’s WhatsApp, Slack or Google Chat guide for the person’s provider-side steps.

Inspect existing accounts first​

catalex accounts list --json
catalex channels list --json
catalex accounts health

Reuse a completed available account. If another agent uses it, explain that moving it removes that agent’s channel before using --move. Do not create a second account to repair credentials.

For a new account:

catalex accounts add --platform whatsapp --name "Support number" --json
catalex destinations setup ACCOUNT_ID --json

Use slack or googlechat as appropriate. The first command returns the new account ID. The second inspects its current setup checkpoint without making a new external app.

Follow published actions​

Read the result’s next action, required inputs and available operations. Call only an action it actually publishes. Nonsecret fields use --value NAME=VALUE; secrets use --input-file NAME=/absolute/private/file or piped --input-stdin NAME. Files must be privately owned, normally mode 0600.

For example, when Google Chat setup requests authorization:

catalex destinations setup ACCOUNT_ID --action authorize --value project_number=PROJECT_NUMBER --input-file service_account_key=/absolute/private/chat-key.json --json

Do not print the key or paste it in chat. For Slack, use the app manifest and installation URL returned by the checkpoint; for WhatsApp, use the requested Meta credentials and sender-selection steps. Browser sign-in, organization approval and verification codes remain person steps.

After an interruption, inspect the active attempt or its original --operation-id before resubmitting. A pending approval is not a reason to create another app or overwrite a webhook.

Assign and verify​

catalex channels add --agent AGENT_ID --account ACCOUNT_ID
catalex accounts health ACCOUNT_ID

If you start from channels add --new, setup is tied to the agent and completes its assignment when ready. Use catalex channels add --help for the chosen platform’s options.

Review access rules and limits, then ask the person to send a message in the original messaging app. Check both the reply there and the matching conversation in CatalEx. Report credential verification, assignment and actual delivery as separate results.

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