Messaging AI bots in chat

What it is

A bot is an AI teammate that works inside your workspace with a scoped set of permissions. Once hired, it appears in team chat with a Bot badge, and you instruct it by sending it a message.

Who can use bots

• Bots need workspace admin access and a Growth plan or higher. Other people see the message "You do not have permission to use bots."
• Hiring and managing bots is done at Settings → Bots (+ Hire a bot).

Start a conversation with a bot

• In Chat click + ("New conversation") and keep Direct message selected.
• Pick the bot from the list (it has a Bot badge instead of an email) and click Message.
• The message box reads "Ask <bot name> to do something…". Type what you need in plain text and send.
• The bot works on it and posts the outcome back into the same conversation.

Limits

• Bots are one-to-one only. They cannot be added to group channels.
• Threads are not available in a bot conversation.
• Give the instruction as text. If the bot is still working on your last request you are asked to give it a moment.
• A paused or retired bot cannot take requests. Reactivate it at Settings → Bots.

Approvals

Some actions need a human to approve before the bot carries them out. When that happens the bot posts a "Review approval" button in the conversation that opens the approvals page. How the approval gate works is covered in the AI bot approvals article.

Common problems

• The bot is not in the list: it may be paused. Check Settings → Bots.
• You cannot message the bot: confirm you are an admin and your plan includes bots.
• The reply never arrives: check Settings → Bots → Approvals in case it is waiting for you.