Channel
An that pushes outside events into your running session. See what it is, how it works, how it is used and what to watch for, with pictures and examples.
What it is
A channel is an that pushes events into a session that is already running. A normal MCP server waits until asks it something, but a channel sends things in by itself, such as a chat message, a result or a monitoring alert. Channels can be two-way: Claude reads the event, does the work on your computer, and replies through the same channel, like a chat bridge. Channels are a , and plugins for Telegram, Discord and iMessage are included.
How it works
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Install a channel plugin
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Restart Claude Code with --channels
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Send a message from the chat app
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Claude replies in the same chat
How to use it
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/plugin install fakechat@claude-plugins-officiala demo channel with a chat page on , with nothing to sign up for
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claude --channelsname the installed channel plugin after it; only channels named here can push messages into this session
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Pairing code — a Telegram or Discord bot sends you a code to approve, which adds your sender to the allowlist
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Webhook receiver — events from CI or an error tracker arrive where Claude already has your files open
Watch out
Events only arrive while the session is open, so an always-on setup needs a background process or a that stays open. Anyone on the allowlist can push messages and, if the channel relays prompts, approve tool use, so add only senders you trust. Each plugin needs Bun, and Team and Enterprise admins must turn channels on first.
Related terms
Original and official docs
This page explains the term in plain words. The original is the authority: if they differ, follow the original.
- See this term in the originalClaude Code Docs — Glossary Anthropic · checked 2026-10-19
- Anthropic — Claude Code docs: Push events into a running session with channels — Quickstart(opens in a new window)
- Anthropic — Claude Code docs: Push events into a running session with channels — Security(opens in a new window)
- Anthropic — Claude Code docs: Push events into a running session with channels — How channels compare(opens in a new window)
- Anthropic — Channels(opens in a new window)