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Claude Code Channels let you push messages into a running Claude Code session from Telegram or Discord. When 3ngram is connected as an MCP server in that session, Claude has access to all 3ngram tools alongside your codebase, making it easy to check commitments, recall context, or act on follow-ups without leaving your chat app.
Claude Code Channels is a research preview feature available in Claude Code v2.1.80+. Requires Bun and a claude.ai login. Team and Enterprise organizations must explicitly enable channels in admin settings.

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How channels and the 3ngram bot differ

The 3ngram bot and Claude Code channels are independent systems that complement each other:
3ngram BotClaude Code Channels
RunsServer-side (Railway)Locally (alongside Claude Code)
Direction3ngram pushes to you (nudges, digests)You push to Claude Code
HandlesNudges, quick recall, commitment trackingAnything you ask, with full MCP + codebase access
AvailableAlways on, even when Claude Code is closedOnly while a Claude Code session is active
BotShared @EngramAI_botYour own personal bot (you create it)
The 3ngram bot proactively nudges you about overdue commitments and stale work. Claude Code channels let you reach into your coding session from your phone to ask questions, trigger actions, or check on progress.

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Setup

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1. Install the channel plugin

Install the official Telegram or Discord channel plugin from within Claude Code. See the Claude Code Channels docs for the latest install commands and prerequisites.
Channel plugins are a research preview feature. Install commands and availability may change. Check the Claude Code docs for the current setup flow.

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2. Create and configure your bot

You need your own bot, separate from 3ngram’s @EngramAI_bot:
  • Telegram: create a bot via BotFather and copy the token
  • Discord: create an application in the Developer Portal, enable Message Content Intent, and copy the bot token
Then configure the plugin: 
# Telegram
/telegram:configure <token>

# Discord
/discord:configure <token>

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3. Start Claude Code with channels

# Telegram
claude --channels plugin:telegram@claude-plugins-official

# Discord
claude --channels plugin:discord@claude-plugins-official

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4. Pair your account

DM your bot on the platform. It replies with a pairing code. Back in Claude Code: 
# Telegram
/telegram:access pair <code>
/telegram:access policy allowlist

# Discord
/discord:access pair <code>
/discord:access policy allowlist
After pairing, any message you send to your bot arrives in the Claude Code session. If 3ngram is connected as an MCP server, Claude can use all its tools to respond.

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Example scenarios

Check commitments from your phone: DM your channel bot “what’s overdue?” and Claude queries 3ngram’s overdue tool, checks relevant code, and replies in the chat. Act on a nudge: The 3ngram bot nudges you about a stale commitment. You DM your channel bot “look into the auth refactor commitment and check what’s left.” Claude recalls the commitment via 3ngram MCP, reads the codebase, and reports back. Quick recall during a meeting: DM “what did we decide about the billing split?” and Claude searches 3ngram memories and replies with the decision and relevant PR links.

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Limitations

  • Channel plugins require Claude Code v2.1.80+ (research preview)
  • Only works while a Claude Code session is running with --channels
  • Requires Bun runtime installed locally
  • The channel bot is separate from @EngramAI_bot — you create and manage your own
  • 3ngram bot nudges arrive on @EngramAI_bot, not the channel bot; you act on them by messaging your channel bot separately