Connect channels

What this step does

The Connect channels step is where you link your messaging platforms to Interlinked so the AI agent can receive and respond to customer messages. This is the last configuration step before publishing — once you connect at least one channel and click Publish, your AI goes live.

You can connect three channels:

• WhatsApp — Through the Meta Embedded Signup flow
• Instagram — Through Meta OAuth redirect
• Facebook Messenger — Through Meta OAuth redirect

How channel connection works

All three channels connect through Meta (the company behind WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook). The connection process is similar for each:

1. Click Connect on the channel card you want to add.
2. Authorize with Meta — A Meta OAuth window opens (or an in-page popup for WhatsApp). You log in to your Meta account and grant Interlinked permission to manage messages on your behalf.
3. Select your business assets — Choose the specific Facebook page, Instagram account, WhatsApp phone number, or business portfolio you want to connect.
4. Return to the wizard — After authorization, you are redirected back to the same Connect channels step with the channel now showing as connected.

WhatsApp specifics

WhatsApp uses the Meta Embedded Signup flow, which opens as an in-page popup rather than a full redirect. During this process you will:

• Select your Meta Business Portfolio (or create one if you do not have one)
• Choose or register a WhatsApp phone number
• Complete the Meta verification steps

Instagram and Messenger specifics

Instagram and Messenger use a standard Meta OAuth redirect flow:

1. Click Connect.
2. You are redirected to Meta’s authorization page.
3. Select the Facebook page and/or Instagram account you want to connect.
4. Click Allow.
5. You are redirected back to the wizard with ?connect=success in the URL.

Connecting multiple channels

You can connect one, two, or all three channels on this same screen before publishing. There is no requirement to connect all channels — you can start with just one and add more later from the AI Config wizard.

However, you must connect at least one channel before the Publish button becomes active. The AI needs at least one channel to receive messages.

Channel status

Each channel card shows its current status:

Status	Meaning
Not connected	The channel has not been linked yet. Click Connect to start the process.
Connected	The channel is linked and ready. The AI will start responding on this channel when you publish.

What to do next

After connecting at least one channel, the Publish button appears on this same screen. Continue to Publish and go live to understand what happens when you click Publish.