> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.zaia.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.zaia.app/channels/creating-a-channel.md). # Creating a Channel Click **“New Channel”** to begin the configuration process.\ Each channel type requires a slightly different setup flow, depending on the external platform. *** ### **General Configuration Parameters** | Field | Description | | -------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Type** | Selects the communication channel (Widget, WhatsApp (Waha), WhatsApp (Official), Instagram, or Telegram). | | **Name** | Internal name used to identify the channel in the CRM list. | | **Description** | Optional internal note for context or control. | | **Channel Responder** | Defines which Agent or Squad will handle the conversations from this channel. | | **Customized Prompt (optional)** | Overrides the Agent’s main prompt, applying a custom instruction only for this channel. | | **Delay to Answer** | Sets a delay (in seconds) before the Agent responds to a user message. | ## **Channel Management** Once created, channels are displayed in the **Channels Dashboard**. | Action | Description | | -------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Toggle Active/Inactive** | Enables or disables message routing for the selected channel. | | **Edit Settings** | Opens the configuration modal to modify responder or prompt. | | **View Configuration** | For Widget channels, shows embed code and customization options. | | **Delete Channel** | Permanently removes the channel and its routing link. | Each active channel is monitored automatically, ensuring continuous connectivity and message delivery.\ If authentication expires (e.g., expired WhatsApp token), the channel status will display as inactive until reconnected. *** ## **Troubleshooting** | Issue | Possible Cause | Solution | | -------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | | QR Code expires before scanning | Delay during setup | Reload and rescan within 40 seconds. | | No pop-up window for WhatsApp Official | Browser blocked pop-ups | Enable pop-ups in browser settings. | | Instagram connection fails | Wrong account permissions | Use an account with messaging access enabled. | | Telegram connection fails | Invalid bot token or webhook setup failed | Confirm the token belongs to a Telegram bot and retry the connection. | | Widget not loading on site | Script not embedded correctly | Re-copy the embed code and ensure it’s inside the ``. |