How Claude Code Channels Work: Messages, Execution and Permissions

Claude Code Channels connect an external event source, such as a messaging app, to a running Claude Code session. The channel plugin delivers the incoming message; Claude Code interprets it and uses permitted tools; a reply tool can send the result back.

For a session running on your computer, file operations and shell commands run in that local environment. This does not mean that nothing uses the cloud: Telegram or Discord handles the chat traffic, and Claude Code calls the Claude API for model responses.

The path of a request

The channel protocol reference describes an MCP server running alongside Claude Code. A one-way channel can deliver an alert without a response path; a two-way chat bridge also exposes a reply tool.

Local execution is not local-only data processing

When Claude reads code to answer a question, relevant content can enter the model request. When it replies through a chat service, the reply leaves the local session. Review both the model service's terms and the messaging destination before asking for confidential output.

Anthropic's Claude Code data-usage documentation explains how account type and settings affect data handling. Do not assume that running the command-line application locally keeps all prompts, file content and responses on the computer.

For example, request a summary of a configuration's purpose rather than asking a bot to paste a complete secrets file into chat. This Claude Code risk-management guide covers related access decisions.

The session must remain available

Channel events reach an open session. If the computer sleeps, the process exits or the network fails, the session cannot handle new events normally. Channels do not automatically move the work to another computer.

Do not make a universal promise that messages sent during downtime are either permanently lost or guaranteed to replay. Delivery and retry behavior depend on the messaging platform and plugin. After reconnecting, check the session and external service before resending an action that could create a duplicate.

What a remote request can do

Within the session's actual capabilities and permissions, a request can ask Claude to inspect code, summarize a diff, prepare a patch or run a test command. It cannot create access to a repository or service that has not been configured.

Keep requests explicit. “Summarize the uncommitted diff in this repository; do not edit or commit” has a clearer boundary than “finish the project.” For an action that changes files, inspect the result before pushing or deploying it.

How approval requests are handled

An approval does not always require returning to the computer. The current Channels guide describes permission relay for channel servers that support it. Such a channel can forward a request for remote approval or denial.

Do not assume every plugin or tool supports that path. If the session is awaiting permission and no remote prompt appears, inspect the local session. Retain appropriate safeguards rather than disabling them to prevent interruptions.

Restrict who can submit requests and who can approve actions. A bot in a team server should not automatically grant every member control over one person's files and credentials.

Check the correct interface and connection

Current channel options include Telegram, Discord and iMessage, plus the local fakechat demonstration. Use the official setup instructions for the selected plugin and verify that it starts with the intended session.

Channels are also distinct from Claude Code Remote Control, which connects supported Claude interfaces to a local session. If you are choosing a broader development workflow, see Claude Code versus Cursor. The key operational check is always the same: which session received the request, what access it has and what it actually did.