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

# Connect Email, WhatsApp, and SMS Channels to Echelon

> Learn how to connect email, WhatsApp, and SMS to your Echelon workspace so your AI Employees can reach customers across every channel.

Echelon works across email, WhatsApp, and SMS, giving your AI Employees the reach they need to engage leads and customers wherever they are. This guide walks you through connecting each channel to your workspace. Once connected, any AI Employee you create can send and receive messages through the channels available on your plan.

## Email

Email is available on all Echelon plans — Starter, Growth, and Scale.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open your workspace settings">
    In your Echelon dashboard, navigate to **Settings**, then select **Channels**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Email">
    Select **Email** from the list of available channels and click **Connect**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authorize your email account">
    Follow the prompts to sign in with your email provider and grant Echelon the permissions it needs to send and receive on your behalf.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the connection">
    Once authorized, your email address will appear as connected in the Channels list. Echelon will send a test message to confirm delivery is working.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Connect the email address your contacts already recognize — using a familiar sender name and domain improves open rates for AI-driven outreach.
</Tip>

## WhatsApp

WhatsApp is available on Growth and Scale plans.

<Warning>
  WhatsApp and SMS require a **Growth or Scale plan**. If you're on the Starter plan, upgrade your subscription before following the steps below. You can manage your plan from **Settings → Billing**.
</Warning>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open your workspace settings">
    Navigate to **Settings**, then select **Channels**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select WhatsApp">
    Select **WhatsApp** from the channel list and click **Connect**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Link your WhatsApp Business account">
    Follow the guided flow to connect your WhatsApp Business account. You'll need admin access to your Meta Business Manager to complete authorization.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify your phone number">
    Enter and verify the phone number associated with your WhatsApp Business account. Echelon will send a verification code to confirm ownership.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the connection">
    Once verified, your WhatsApp number will appear as active in the Channels list and will be available to assign to AI Employees.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## SMS

SMS is available on Growth and Scale plans.

<Warning>
  SMS requires a **Growth or Scale plan**. If you're on the Starter plan, upgrade your subscription before following the steps below. You can manage your plan from **Settings → Billing**.
</Warning>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open your workspace settings">
    Navigate to **Settings**, then select **Channels**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select SMS">
    Select **SMS** from the channel list and click **Connect**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Provision a phone number">
    Select an available phone number to use for outbound and inbound SMS, or bring your own number by following the number porting instructions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete carrier registration">
    Depending on your region, you may be prompted to complete carrier registration (for example, 10DLC registration in the United States). Follow the on-screen instructions to submit the required information.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the connection">
    Once registration is approved, your SMS number will appear as active in the Channels list and can be assigned to any AI Employee.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Carrier registration for SMS can take 24–72 hours to process. Your number will not be active for sending until registration is complete.
</Note>

## What's next

With your channels connected, you're ready to put them to work.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Create an AI Employee" icon="user-plus" href="/guides/create-ai-employee">
    Build and configure an AI Employee to send messages through your connected channels.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Build sequences" icon="list-ordered" href="/guides/build-sequences">
    Set up automated message sequences that run across your connected channels.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>