> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developer.omni.z-api.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction

> Create, connect, and manage messaging channels in Omni Z-API

export const frontendUrl = 'https://app.omni.z-api.io';

export const projectName = 'Omni Z-API';

## What is a channel?

In {projectName}, a **channel** represents a connection to WhatsApp via the Meta Official API.

Each channel is linked to a WhatsApp Business phone number. For example, connecting the number `+55 11 99999-9999` creates a channel with a unique `channelId` used in all API calls.

The `channelId` is the unique identifier for the channel and is used in all API calls to send [free messages](/en/messages/introduction), [templates](/en/messages/send-template), webhooks, etc.

## Supported platforms

| Platform                         | Type             | Connection                                                                |
| -------------------------------- | ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **WhatsApp** (Meta Official API) | `META_WHATSAPP`  | [Cloud API or Coexistence](/en/whatsapp-official/connection/introduction) |
| **WhatsApp Web**                 | `Z_API_WHATSAPP` | QR Code                                                                   |
| **Instagram**                    | `META_INSTAGRAM` | Meta OAuth                                                                |
| **Messenger**                    | `META_MESSENGER` | Meta OAuth                                                                |
| **Telegram**                     | `BOT_TELEGRAM`   | Bot token                                                                 |

<Note>
  The `channelId` and the [messages](/en/messages/introduction) and [webhooks](/en/webhooks/introduction) endpoints work the same for every type. What changes is the connection flow and, for WhatsApp Official, the [24-hour window](/en/conversation-window).
</Note>

## Flow to get started

<Steps>
  <Step title="Generate your credentials">
    If you haven't already, generate your **Public Key** and **Secret Key** at [Authentication](/en/authentication).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create the channel">
    Create a new channel via the [Dashboard](\{frontendUrl}) or via API using the [Create channel](/en/channels/create-channel) endpoint.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect the channel">
    Use the [SDK + API connection flow](/en/channels/connect-channel), which integrates with the official Meta authentication.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Activate subscription (ENTERPRISE accounts)">
    Partners and resellers with the ENTERPRISE role must activate the channel subscription via [Subscribe channel](/en/channels/subscribe-channel) before use.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send messages">
    With the channel connected, use the `channelId` to send [free messages](/en/messages/introduction) (within the 24h window) or [templates](/en/messages/send-template) (outside the window).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Channel endpoints

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Create channel" icon="plus" href="/en/channels/create-channel">
    Create a new channel via API.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Connect channel" icon="link" href="/en/channels/connect-channel">
    Connect a channel via Meta SDK + API.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Disconnect channel" icon="link-slash" href="/en/channels/disconnect">
    Permanently disconnect a channel.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Subscription management (ENTERPRISE)

<Note>
  The subscription endpoints below require the **ENTERPRISE** role on your account. Contact support to enable it.
</Note>

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Subscribe channel" icon="credit-card" href="/en/channels/subscribe-channel">
    Activate a channel subscription or add it to an existing one.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Cancel subscription" icon="xmark" href="/en/channels/cancel-subscription">
    Cancel a channel subscription programmatically.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Delete channel" icon="trash" href="/en/channels/delete-channel">
    Permanently delete a channel via API.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>