---
title: "Deployments Overview"
description: "The channels where your agent can talk to customers (web widget, public chat, and WhatsApp) and how to turn each one on or off."
---

A **deployment** is a channel where customers talk to your agent. In your agent, select **Deploy** to see every channel. Each one has its own settings, and you can switch each one on or off.

| Channel | What it is | Plan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Web Widget](/docs/deployments/web-widget/installation) | A chat bubble on your website. | All plans |
| [Public Chat](/docs/deployments/public-chat/general-settings) | A hosted chat page with its own link. No website needed. | All plans |
| [WhatsApp](/docs/deployments/whatsapp/connecting-whatsapp) | Customers message your agent on WhatsApp. | Starter and above |

## Turn a channel on or off

Use the switch next to a channel. When a channel is off, customers can't reach your agent through it. Your settings are kept, so you can switch it back on at any time.

Next to each channel you may see:

- **Connect**: the channel needs setup first, such as connecting a WhatsApp number.
- **Upgrade**: the channel isn't included in your plan. See [Plans and Pricing](/docs/billing/plans-and-pricing).
- The open-chat icon: opens the live chat in a new tab.

## Settings shared by every channel

Your agent's name, [instructions](/docs/agents/instructions), [knowledge](/docs/knowledge), and [actions](/docs/actions) apply on every channel. Each channel can add its own **additional instructions** on top, for example to keep WhatsApp replies short.

These settings are also shared:

- [Conversation persistence](/docs/agents/settings#conversation-history), for the web widget and Public Chat.
- [Human handoff](/docs/human-handoff), so customers can ask to talk to a person.
- [Rate limit](/docs/agents/security#rate-limit), which protects the web widget and Public Chat from abuse.