---
title: "Use the Channels CLI"
canonical: https://workspace.socra.com/docs/channels/reference/cli
---

# Use the Channels CLI

The `socra channels` namespace exposes Account-scoped messaging operations. Use it from a terminal or a runtime with terminal access.

## Before you start

You need the [Socra CLI](/docs/cortex/reference/cli#install-the-cli), the Channels namespace, and an authorized Account session. Check available commands before continuing:

```bash
socra channels --help
```

If the Account session is missing, run `socra account login` and select the intended Account. Keep credentials out of messages and shared command output.

## Verify the session

Read the current workspace membership:

```bash
socra channels session get
```

Confirm that the returned membership belongs to the intended Account. An authentication error is not a successful connection.

## List channels

Read up to 20 channels:

```bash
socra channels channel list --limit 20
```

Use the returned IDs when another command requires a channel identifier. An empty authorized result means there are no matching channels available to that request.

## Read messages

Replace `CHANNEL_ID` with the ID of a channel you can access:

```bash
socra channels message list --channel-id CHANNEL_ID --limit 20
```

These examples read existing data. Sending messages or changing membership requires separate commands and permission for those actions.

## Inspect command options

Use command help for filters and required fields:

```bash
socra channels channel list --help
socra channels message list --help
```

For the native interface, follow [Install Channels](/docs/channels/get-started/first-message).