> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.ada.cx/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.ada.cx/_mcp/server.

# Email configuration

This topic describes the initial steps in configuring your Email AI Agent. For a complete list of steps, see [Quick summary: Set up email](/docs/channels/email/email-onboarding#quick-summary-setup). Start here before moving on to more advanced settings.

## Activate email\[#activate]

> **Tip**
>
> Before you activate the Email channel, make sure your AI Agent has a solid foundation. Start by adding [Knowledge](/docs/knowledge), then expand with [Actions](/docs/automation/tools/api-tools), [Playbooks](/docs/automation/playbooks), [Processes](/docs/automation/processes), and [CSAT preferences](/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/csat-configuration). These elements ensure your AI Agent is personalized and robust before you move on to email configuration.

Email activation enables the channel in the dashboard so you can configure it. It does not launch the channel to customers.

On the Ada dashboard, go to **Config > CHANNELS > Email**. On the **Configuration** tab, click **Activate Email**.

> **Note**
>
> Activation can take around 10 seconds to complete.

## Test your email configurations\[#test]

Internal email testing is an essential part of setting up your Email AI Agent. You can send emails to your AI Agent's Ada email to carry out your internal testing. Start sending test emails to this email address to get a feel for how your AI Agent will handle inquiries as long as a knowledge base is set up for your AI Agent to access.

While this email address is useful for testing, do not expose it to your customers. Instead, use the [bring your own domain](/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/byo-domain#byod) feature, either using an existing support email or creating a new one.

If your AI Agent has multiple email channels, each one has its own Ada-provisioned test address. Use the address that matches the inbox you want to test — inbound mail is attributed to the channel whose address received the message.

## Next steps\[#next-steps]

After activation and internal email testing, you're ready to configure other features of the Email channel. These features help enhance, brand, and scale your Email AI Agent for production readiness:

* [Bring your own domain (BYOD) email](/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/byo-domain)
* [Appearance settings](/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/appearance-settings)
* [Launch controls](/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/launch-controls)
* [Email handoffs](/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/email-handoffs)
* [Implementation method](/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/implementation-method)
* [Email deployment](/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/email-deployment)
* [CSAT configuration](/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/csat-configuration)

Want to further refine how your AI Agent is responding to your customers? You can fine-tune responses using dashboard functionality like creating [Custom Instructions](/docs/automation/custom-instructions).

Continue through these topics to complete your setup and ensure a smooth experience for both your team and your customers.

---

Have any questions? Contact your Ada team, or email us at [](mailto:help@ada.cx?subject=Help%20Docs%20inquiry).

## Docs

- [Bring Your Own Domain](https://docs.ada.cx/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/byo-domain.md)
- [Appearance settings](https://docs.ada.cx/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/appearance-settings.md)
- [Launch controls](https://docs.ada.cx/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/launch-controls.md)
- [Implementation method](https://docs.ada.cx/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/implementation-method.md)
- [Block email addresses](https://docs.ada.cx/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/block-email-addresses.md)
- [Trusted senders](https://docs.ada.cx/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/trusted-senders.md)
- [Email handoffs](https://docs.ada.cx/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/email-handoffs.md)
- [Handoff scenarios](https://docs.ada.cx/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/email-handoffs/handoff-scenarios.md)
- [Attachment handling](https://docs.ada.cx/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/email-handoffs/attachment-handling.md)
- [Multiple participant conversations](https://docs.ada.cx/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/multiple-participant-conversations.md)
- [Email deployment](https://docs.ada.cx/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/email-deployment.md)
- [CSAT configuration](https://docs.ada.cx/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/csat-configuration.md)