> This page is part of the [Customer.io documentation](https://docs.customer.io). For the complete index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.customer.io/llms.txt). > Last updated: September 1, 2026 > To take actions in Customer.io from an agent, use the [Customer.io CLI](https://docs.customer.io/ai/cli/get-started.md) or the [MCP server](https://docs.customer.io/ai/mcp/get-started.md). # Set up message channels If you're new here, you'll need to set up message channels before you can send messages. The setup process, and your involvement, varies depending on whether you want to set up email, in-app messages, push notifications, or SMS/MMS, and so on. ## Before you begin Before you can send messages, you need to configure the types of messages you want to send. If your workspace is new, you can follow the onscreen setup guide, but you can always add channels later under [\*\* Settings > **Workspace settings**](https://fly.customer.io/workspaces/last/settings). ![Set up the types of messages you want to send](https://docs.customer.io/images/qsg-setup-list-channels.png) Some message channels take more time and effort to set up than others. Most require access to resources outside of Customer.io. You might need to work with your development team or other teams in your organization to set up your message channels. For example, email setup often requires access to your domain provider and/or your email service provider. Push and in-app messages to mobile devices require some development effort. ## Set up email You can deliver email through us or use your own provider. If you’re new to email marketing, it’s easiest to send email through us and use our default settings! But if you already have an email provider, [you can skip this section and use them instead](#use-your-own-email-provider). We ensure that all email sent from us is authenticated and meets industry technical standards. We have a no-tolerance policy towards spammers and diligently monitor our network for denylistings, problematic senders, and other factors that could negatively impact your messages’ deliverability. 1. Enter your domain—like `example.com`. ![enter your email domain](https://docs.customer.io/images/email-add-domain.png) 2. Enter your *From* address(es). These are the addresses that your messages will come from. ![enter your from-address](https://docs.customer.io/images/email-add-from-address.png) 3. [Verify and authenticate your domain(s)](/messaging/channels/email/deliverability/authentication/#set-up-domain-authentication). This involves adding some records to your domain host. 4. (Recommended) [Set up link tracking](/messaging/channels/email/deliverability/authentication/#set-up-link-tracking) so you can record the links that profiles click in your messages. This involves adding a CNAME record to your domain host(s). Start sending emails slowly! If you’re just getting started with Customer.io, you’ll need to start slowly. Sending a large number of emails right away can hurt your domain reputation and deliverability. See our [guide to sending slowly](/messaging/channels/email/deliverability-getting-started/#easing-the-transition) for more information. ### Use your own email provider You can also use your own account with any of the following fully-supported platforms: * [Mailgun](/messaging/channels/email/deliverability/custom-smtp/triggered-lifecycle-email-with-mailgun/) * [Mailjet](/messaging/channels/email/deliverability/custom-smtp/triggered-lifecycle-email-with-mailjet/) * [Mandrill](/messaging/channels/email/deliverability/custom-smtp/triggered-lifecycle-email-with-mandrill/) * [Sendgrid](/messaging/channels/email/deliverability/custom-smtp/triggered-lifecycle-email-with-sendgrid/) * [Sparkpost](/messaging/channels/email/deliverability/custom-smtp/triggered-lifecycle-email-with-sparkpost/) * [Postmark](/messaging/channels/email/deliverability/custom-smtp/triggered-lifecycle-email-with-postmark/) Start sending emails slowly! If you’re just getting started with Customer.io, you’ll need to start slowly. Sending a large number of emails right away can hurt your domain reputation and deliverability. See our [guide to sending slowly](/messaging/channels/email/deliverability-getting-started/#easing-the-transition) for more information. ## Set up in-app messages You can enable in-app messaging and start setting up your messages right away, but you’ll need to integrate your website or mobile app with Customer.io before you can send messages. If you haven’t already, it’s easy to add our JavaScript SDK to your site and start sending messages right away. * **To send messages to your website visitors**, you need to [add the JavaScript client to your site](/get-started/integrate/#add-a-javascript-source). * **To send messages to your mobile audience**, you’ll need to [integrate with our mobile SDKs](/integrations/sdk/). ## Set up push notifications We support push notifications for mobile applications; we don’t support web push. If you’re starting fresh, you should **[integrate with our mobile SDKs](/integrations/sdk/)**. But, if your app is already set up to receive push notifications and you don’t want to integrate our SDKs, you should check out our [integration guide](/messaging/channels/push/developer-guide/). You’ll also need to add your Apple Push Notification Service (APNS) and Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) credentials to your workspace. APNS FCM ![Set up push with APNs](https://docs.customer.io/images/push-apns-setup.png) ![Set up push with APNs](https://docs.customer.io/images/push-fcm-setup.png) When you’re ready, you can send a [simple push notification](/messaging/channels/push/send-push/) or use a [custom push payload](/messaging/channels/push/custom-payloads/) to send a push notification that includes a deep link or an image. ## Set up SMS/MMS We support SMS and MMS messages through Twilio, Infobip, Vonage, and Sinch. If you’re located in, and only send messages to users in, the US or Canada, you can also manage SMS sending entirely through Customer.io! [Get started integrating an SMS provider](/messaging/channels/sms/get-started/). ## Other message channels * **[Slack](/messaging/channels/slack/get-started/#enable-slack-in-customerio)**: [*Enable* Slack](https://fly.customer.io/workspaces/last/settings/actions/slack) and authorize Customer.io to send messages to your Slack workspace. * **Webhooks**: You can use webhooks to create quick, if-this-then-that style integrations that send data to, or trigger actions in, systems outside of Customer.io. ©2026 Peaberry Software, Inc. [Status](https://status.customerio.com/) [Terms of Service](https://customer.io/legal/terms-of-service/) [Privacy Policy](https://customer.io/legal/privacy-policy/) [](https://www.linkedin.com/company/customer-io)[](https://twitter.com/customerio)[](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkCaWdezRoa8ZyR9pEVaipA)[](https://www.instagram.com/customer.io/)