For One Person
For a TeamGetting started
Picking your chat app
Telegram, Discord, Slack, Matrix, and iMessage: what each needs, and how long setup takes.
This guide is also in Archie: press Resources in the sidebar, then Guides. Where a step says this computer, it means the computer running Archie.
On this page
Your agent answers in Archie’s Chat tab. A chat app reaches you away from the computer while Archie keeps running there, and only people you approve can use it.
How the chat apps differ#
| Chat app | You need | Your agent lives in | Setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telegram | A free Telegram account | A private chat with you | ~5 min |
| Discord | A Discord account and a server (free to create) | A channel on your server | ~10 min |
| Slack | A workspace that lets you add apps | A DM or channel | ~15 min |
| Matrix | A free account for your agent (element.io) | A room you make and invite it to | ~10 min |
| iMessage (Mac only) | A Mac signed into Messages, plus a small free tool | Your chat with yourself | ~5 min |
Which chat app to pick#
- Already open one every day? Use that one.
- Never used any? Telegram has the fewest steps.
- Always texting, on a Mac? With iMessage, text your own number and the Mac at home replies: only to you, and only while it is awake with Archie running.
- Sharing one agent? Discord or Slack, where others already are; each new person still needs your approval.
- At work? Slack, if your workspace lets you add apps (ask your admin if needed).
- Rather not register with a company? Matrix: your agent gets a free account on an open network.
What setup involves#
Do setup on this computer, since most apps give you a long code to paste into Archie, which walks you through each app click by click.
Telegram, Discord, and Slack each need a bot made on their side. Matrix gives your agent an ordinary account you invite to a room. iMessage needs a small download Archie does for you, and two macOS permissions.
Catches with Matrix and iMessage#
- Matrix rooms need encryption off, since your agent can’t read encrypted rooms and Matrix turns it on for direct messages. The Matrix guide shows the one checkbox, which can’t be changed later.
- iMessage needs a Mac, so on Windows the option does not appear.
A step that no longer matches your screen? The other company may have changed its site since we last checked. Tell us which step and we will fix the guide in Archie and here.