Channels¶
Channels are the ways Interline sends and receives messages: SMS, WhatsApp, and Email. You manage them under Settings → Channels.
The Channels page¶
The Channels page shows a card for each channel type with a quick health summary:
- SMS — how many active numbers you have.
- WhatsApp — how many active numbers you have.
- Email — how many active sending addresses you have.
Expand a card (the chevron) to see its details: a Channel status toggle (turn the channel on/off), the number of active numbers/addresses, and total messages today. Each card also links to that channel's full settings (e.g. WhatsApp Settings, Email Settings) where its numbers/addresses are configured.
Adding a number or address¶
Connecting a new SMS number, WhatsApp number, or email address is done from the relevant channel's settings. Because phone numbers and WhatsApp Business accounts require provisioning and verification with the underlying providers, SMS and WhatsApp channels are typically set up with the Interline team. Email is self-serve — see Connecting an Email Channel.
- SMS — a phone number capable of sending/receiving texts (and MMS for images).
- WhatsApp — a WhatsApp Business number; outbound campaigns use approved templates (see Broadcast).
- Email — connected self-serve by signing in with the Google or Microsoft account you want to use. See Connecting an Email Channel for the step-by-step guide.
Channel status toggle
Use the Channel status toggle to pause a channel without removing it — useful during maintenance or if you temporarily stop using a number.
How channels relate to inboxes¶
Incoming messages on a channel are routed into inboxes so your team can work them. Which inbox a message lands in is governed by your Auto-assign rules. When sending a campaign or replying in the Inbox, you choose which channel/number it goes out from.
Note
Exact setup screens for SMS and WhatsApp vary by provider and are being expanded in these docs. If you need a new number connected, reach out to your Interline contact. Email accounts can be connected yourself — see Connecting an Email Channel.