# Connect a channel

Before assigning a channel to a bot, create an integration with the required service.

## Connect the integration

1. Open **Integrations** in the sidebar.
2. Select **Connect integration**.
3. Choose the required category and service.
4. Select **Connect** and complete the authorization or connection fields.
5. Confirm that the new integration is active.

## Assign the channel to a bot

1. Open **My Bots** and edit the required bot.
2. Open **Channels and launch**.
3. In the channel conditions section, add a channel.
4. Select the connected integration and configure any additional launch conditions.
5. Set the working hours if the bot should run on a schedule.
6. Select **Save changes**.

<img src="/en/static/quick-start-bot-channels-en.png" alt="Channels, launch settings, and working hours" style="display: block; max-width: 100%; height: auto; margin: 0 auto 24px;">

ChatRex may offer to add a channel immediately after creating a bot. You can complete the assignment there or close the dialog and configure it later on **Channels and launch**.

!!!note
Only available connections appear in the channel selector. If the required service is missing, return to **Integrations** and check its status and subscription.
!!!

## Next step

Configure [**launch conditions**](<./trigger-conditions.md>) and [**bot behavior**](<./automation.md>), then test the result.