Before your team can start replying to customers in SleekFlow, you need to connect at least one messaging channel. This is the foundation that everything else builds on — your Inbox, automations, AI agents, and broadcasts all depend on having a channel connected.
Supported channels
SleekFlow works with the messaging platforms your customers already use:
| Channel | What you need to connect it |
| WhatsApp Business API | A phone number and a Meta Business Portfolio (Facebook business account). |
| Facebook Messenger | A Facebook Page with Utility template access where you have admin permission |
| An Instagram Business account linked to a Facebook Page, with full admin access | |
| Telegram | A Telegram account and a Telegram Bot (created through Telegram's @BotFather). |
| LINE Business | A LINE Business Account and admin access to LINE Official Account Manager |
| A WeChat Official or Service Account | |
| Viber | An approved Viber chatbot token |
| SMS | Requirement depends on your region |
| TikTok Business Messaging | A TikTok Business Account in an eligible region with full admin access |
| Live Chat Widget | SleekFlow provides an embeddable widget for your website |
How to connect a channel
- Click
icon in the bottom section of the left sidebar to open “Channels” - In the left panel, select the channel you want to connect (e.g. WhatsApp Business API, Instagram, Telegram).
- Click the Connect button on the main panel.
- Follow the setup steps for your chosen channel. Each channel has a different process — some require a login (like Facebook for Messenger and Instagram), others require pasting credentials (like a bot token for Telegram).
- Once connected, your channel will appear in the dashboard with a green checkmark next to its name in the left panel.
Tip: If you just want to explore SleekFlow without connecting a real channel yet, select Testing Channel in the Channels sidebar. This gives you a simulated Inbox experience where you can practice replying to messages.
Connecting WhatsApp to SleekFlow
There are three ways to connect WhatsApp to SleekFlow, depending on your business needs:
Get a free number provided by Meta (best for internal testing)
1. Apply for a free number provided by Meta to quickly explore the WhatsApp Business API.
- This option is ideal for short-term testing and onboarding. Each Meta Business Portfolio can apply for up to two numbers.
2. Connect a new phone number to WhatsApp Business API
- Register a number that hasn’t been used on WhatsApp Personal or WhatsApp Business App. A verified Meta Business Portfolio is required.
3. Migrate an existing WhatsApp Business API account
- If your number is already connected to the WhatsApp Business API through another provider, you can migrate it to SleekFlow.
Refer to our step-by-step guides above to determine the best option for your business.
After you connect
Once your channel is connected:
- Incoming messages from that channel will start appearing in your Inbox.
- Your channel will show in the Channels dashboard with its status and connected account details.
You can connect additional channels at any time by returning to Channels and repeating the process.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to check |
| The Connect button doesn't appear | You may not have permission to connect channels. Ask your admin to check your role in Settings → Roles and permissions. |
| WhatsApp connection fails | Make sure your Facebook account has full access rights in your Meta Business Portfolio, and that two-factor authentication is enabled. |
| Instagram won't connect | Verify you have a Business account (not Personal), it's linked to a Facebook Page, and "Allow access to messages" is enabled in Instagram settings. |
| Messenger isn't receiving messages | Check that your Facebook Page is published (not in draft mode) and that you have admin access. |
| Channel shows as disconnected | Go to Channels, find the channel in the left panel, and check its status. Some channels may need to be reconnected if credentials expire. |