Channels — Control Claude Code from Telegram/Discord
Claude CodeSend messages to your session from mobile — Claude works on your local filesystem
Channels lets external messengers (Telegram/Discord) push (inject) messages into a locally running Claude Code session. Released as research preview in March 2025.
Core Concept
This doesn't move your session to the cloud. It's opening another window to your local Claude Code session from mobile. Claude still fully accesses your local filesystem, Git, and MCP servers.
Use Cases
Run long builds/tests and check progress from Telegram while away
Tell Claude "modify that file" from your phone at a cafe
Spot issues during deployment monitoring and immediately request debugging
Give overnight instructions: "have this done by morning"
Setup (Telegram)
/plugin install telegram@claude-plugins-official
/reload-plugins
claude --channels plugin:telegram@claude-plugins-official
DM the Telegram bot → get 6-digit pairing code → enter it → connected.
Supported Platforms
| Platform | Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Telegram | Official | Simple Bot API, 1B monthly users |
| Discord | Official | Good for teams |
| Slack | Not yet | Community requested, likely coming soon |
Channels vs Remote Control
| Feature | Channels | Remote Control |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Telegram/Discord app | claude.ai web/app |
| Interface | Messenger chat | Full Claude Code UI |
| Permission approval | Not possible | Possible |
| Best for | Quick commands/checks | Full session work |
Channels vs Remote Control vs /btw
| Feature | Channels | Remote Control | /btw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access | Telegram/Discord app | claude.ai web/app | Same terminal |
| Permission | Not possible | Possible | N/A |
| Best for | Quick commands/monitoring | Full session work | Side questions during work |
Setup Commands
/plugin install telegram@claude-plugins-official
/reload-plugins
claude --channels plugin:telegram@claude-plugins-official
How to Use
/plugin install telegram@claude-plugins-official → /reload-plugins
Start session with claude --channels plugin:telegram@claude-plugins-official
DM Telegram bot → enter 6-digit pairing code → connected
Send message from Telegram → Claude works on local filesystem + replies
Tags
Source
Anthropic (2025.3)