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

# Pair your first channel

> Connect WednesdayAI to your preferred messaging app so you can start chatting with your AI.

# Pair your first channel

WednesdayAI works inside the apps you already use. This guide walks you through connecting your first messaging app.

## Choose your app

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="WhatsApp" href="/users/pairing/whatsapp" icon="message-circle">
    The most popular option. Scan a QR code - no phone number to enter.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Telegram" href="/users/pairing/telegram" icon="send">
    Fast and reliable. Message the bot your administrator set up.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Discord" href="/users/pairing/discord" icon="discord">
    Chat with your AI in a Discord server or via DM.
  </Card>

  <Card title="iMessage" href="/users/pairing/imessage" icon="message">
    macOS and iPhone users - pair through the Messages app.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## What "pairing" means

When you pair a channel, WednesdayAI learns to recognise messages from you on that channel and routes your conversations to your AI. It is a one-time setup step.

After pairing:

* Your messages in the channel reach your AI instantly
* Your conversation history is private to you
* You can use all [slash commands](/users/commands) and [built-in tools](/users/tools/index)

## What if I get a pairing code?

Some channels are set up so that an unknown sender is not answered until the owner approves them. The first time you message the bot, you may get a short reply with an **8-character code** (uppercase letters and numbers) instead of a normal answer.

That is expected. It means:

1. Your message has **not** been processed yet - it is held until you are approved.
2. Send that code to your administrator (or approve it yourself if you self-host).
3. Codes **expire after about an hour**, and the bot only sends a fresh one roughly once per hour, so do not wait too long.

Once approved, message the bot again and it will respond normally.

<Note>
  If you self-host, you approve a pending request with `openclaw pairing approve <channel> <CODE>`.
</Note>

## Before you start

Make sure your administrator has already set up the WednesdayAI gateway and the channel you want to use. If you are not sure, ask them, or check the [admin docs](/admin/channels/index).

## After pairing

Once connected, send a message to your AI to say hello. Try:

> "Hi! What can you do?"

Your AI will introduce itself and describe what it can help with.

To pair a second channel later, follow the same steps for that channel. Your conversation history and settings carry over.