Claude Code Channels

A mechanism for pushing events from third-party chat apps (iMessage, Telegram, Discord) or custom servers into a running Claude Code session. Each channel is an MCP server plus a plugin. The host machine runs Claude Code listening for channel messages, and external messages are injected into the session as if the user had typed them locally. Requires Mac OS for iMessage and full-disk access, plus enterprise admin approval on team plans.

Key points

• Channels are MCP servers that push events into a live Claude Code session
• Supported channels at launch: iMessage (Mac OS only), Telegram, Discord
• Setup: install plugin via /plugins, grant full disk access, launch Claude with channel enabled
• iMessage requires Mac OS host because it uses the native Messages database
• Enterprise and team plans must enable channels in admin settings
• Session must stay running locally — terminal close kills the channel
• Different from Dispatch (message-triggered) and Remote Control (mobile steering of an active session)

Related entities

• Claude Code

Related concepts

• Claude Code Remote Control

Source references

• ^[src-004] Nate Herk cluster — Nate Herk — Claude Code cluster (21 videos)

– Videos referenced: hHlpVeooPrI, EqhKw0Oro_k