Outlook Business Desk
Anthropic has introduced Claude Code Channels, a feature that lets developers send messages from chat apps such as Telegram and Discord on their phones to an active Claude Code session running locally on their laptops.
Channels change how Model Context Protocol works. Instead of Claude deciding when to use tools, messages sent from apps like Telegram or Discord go directly to the active Claude Code session, which reads them, performs the task and generates a response.
When a message arrives, Claude Code reads the request, completes the task and sends the response back to Telegram or Discord. The terminal shows incoming activity, but the final reply appears only on the external app.
Claude keeps the same session running across multiple interactions. This means it can continue tasks without restarting, allowing workflows like app building, running CLI tools and audio processing to be handled smoothly from a phone.
Early tests show developers using Channels to build iOS apps, run command line tools and process audio remotely. This setup turns messaging apps into simple interfaces to control a host device like a Mac from a phone.
Claude Code pauses when it needs approval for file access or shell commands. Users must allow actions directly on the host device, while remote approval options exist but can introduce security risks and tradeoffs.
Developers using organisational API keys cannot access Channels. The feature works only with claude.ai account logins, limiting its use mainly to individual users and excluding enterprise workflows built around API-based integrations.
The feature is currently in research preview and works with Telegram, Discord and Fakechat. It requires Claude Code version 2.1.80 or newer and only runs with a claude.ai account login for access and usage.
The launch comes as agentic AI tools like OpenClaw and Nvidia’s NemoClaw gain popularity. Unlike broader automation platforms, Anthropic focuses on tighter security and limited scope, positioning Channels as a more controlled option in evolving AI workflows.