> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.athenachat.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.athenachat.ai/documentation/documentation-en/how-to-start/podklyuchenie-kanala.md).

# 2. Channel connection

Telegram, WhatsApp\*, MAX, widget, and other channels

## Step 1

In the left menu of the dashboard, open [**Channels**](/documentation/documentation-en/channels.md).

![The Channels section in the menu](https://4126380821-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwirYrs8odJMFan3KqfzY%2Fuploads%2FbS11Q1sz7Dx6FsB3Vglh%2Fstep1-kanaly-menu.png?alt=media)

## Step 2

Click **Add channel** — the button at the top right or at the bottom of the side menu.

![Add Channel button](https://4126380821-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwirYrs8odJMFan3KqfzY%2Fuploads%2FQeVKvh8Kg1k35zgsYsVh%2Fstep2-dobavit-kanal.png?alt=media)

## Step 3

Select the channel type and complete the connection wizard.

![Channel selection](https://4126380821-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwirYrs8odJMFan3KqfzY%2Fuploads%2F4MWDqctHpF248fv1YYFF%2Fstep3-vybor-kanala.png?alt=media)

Step-by-step instructions are in the section [**Channels**](/documentation/documentation-en/channels.md).

{% hint style="success" %}
**Tip:** for the first test, choose [**Telegram**](/documentation/documentation-en/channels/messengers/telegram.md) or [**Chat Widget**](/documentation/documentation-en/channels/chat-widget.md) — they connect the fastest.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
\* WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook are owned by Meta, which is recognized as extremist and banned in the territory of the Russian Federation.
{% endhint %}


---

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