> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.letsflow.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Channels

> Set up the email and chat channels a Flow team uses for requests and replies.

Each Flow team has an email inbox and can use the organization's primary chat provider. Operators
handle the resulting requests in **Conversations**.

| Channel | Use it for |
| - | - |
| **Email inbox** | Starting and continuing requests by email. New requesters require Directory Sync. |
| **Slack** | Connecting a workspace and linking teams to channels |
| **Microsoft Teams** | Verifying a tenant and linking Flow teams to standard or same-tenant shared channels |

Slack and Microsoft Teams can accept requests without Directory Sync. Connecting the directory
adds employee context, such as department, location, and manager relationships, and enables
directory-dependent features. Review the [Directory Sync tradeoffs](/setup/administration/identity-and-directory#when-to-connect-directory-sync)
before deciding to skip it.

## Configure channels

<Steps>
  <Step title="Set up email.">
    First connect Directory Sync under **Settings → Identity** if new requesters will use the inbox. Then open **Settings → Flow Teams**, expand the team, and open **Flow settings → Email**. See [Email prerequisites](/setup/channels/email) for the existing-member exception.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set up chat.">
    For Slack or Microsoft Teams, open **Settings → Chat**, connect the primary provider, and link each Flow team to a channel.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Reply from Conversations

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the conversation.">
    Open the conversation you want to reply to.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Requester chat.">
    Select **Requester chat**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a communication channel.">
    Choose an available route under **Communication Channel**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Write and send the reply.">
    Write the reply, then select **Send**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

The selector shows only routes available for that conversation.

## Related topics

* [Slack](/setup/channels/slack)
* [Microsoft Teams](/setup/channels/microsoft-teams)
* [Email](/setup/channels/email)
* [Request tracking](/setup/request-tracking)


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