> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.bookline.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.bookline.io/client-portal/channels/adding-a-new-channel.md).

# Adding a new channel

### How to add a new channel

A channel can be created in two different ways:

#### 1. Purchasing a new Phone Number

We recommend that clients purchase a new phone number, which we use to route calls to the restaurant and connect the bot. 

This is handled through our **Buy Number** flow:

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/5y8HtqQDD4O0c7r8tm9M" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Continue learning how to purchase a new phone number with our step-by-step guide below:

{% content-ref url="/pages/snkwRYCQUAM5jFvKzoec" %}
[Purchasing a new phone number](/client-portal/channels/adding-a-new-channel/purchasing-a-new-phone-number.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

### 2. Adding a new Whatsapp number

In order to automate Whatsapp messaging for your restaurant, you will need to add a new Whatsapp number through our flow:

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/6OpuUXcpscNVM2DM3TfM" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

This number will be:

1. &#x20;The public-facing number for the Whatsapp Business API account.
2. The link between your customers and a Bookline WhatsApp bot.

Continue learning about how to add a new WhatsApp number with our step-by-step guide below:

{% content-ref url="/pages/g4WF9uiz0L9Udb1Kdwic" %}
[Adding a new Whatsapp number](/client-portal/channels/adding-a-new-channel/adding-a-new-whatsapp-number.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}