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Connect Slack so you can start Ona agent sessions from a Slack message and follow the work in the same thread. Mention Ona in a channel or send it a direct message, describe the task, and the agent runs in an Ona environment and replies in place.

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What you can do from Slack

Once connected, you can:
  • Start a session from a channel: @Ona in a channel with a task and a repository link. The agent starts in the matching project’s environment and replies in the thread.
  • Start a session from a direct message: Message Ona directly to work without a channel.
  • Follow along in the thread: The agent posts one reply that updates in place as it works, with a link to the Ona session and environment.
  • Continue the conversation: Reply in the same thread to give the agent more instructions. The thread stays tied to one session.

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How it works

  • The agent runs under your identity, mapped from your linked Slack account. It uses your organization role and project permissions.
  • The agent resolves which project to work in from the repository URL in your message. If your message has no repository link, it reuses the project from earlier in the thread, or asks you to pick a project.
  • A thread belongs to the user who started it. If someone else mentions Ona in that thread, the agent asks them to start their own thread.
  • Editing a message after the agent starts does not change the prompt. Post a new mention to change direction.

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Connect Slack

Connecting Slack takes two steps: an administrator enables it for the organization, then each user links their own Slack account.

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Step 1: Organization setup

An admin needs to enable Slack for your organization first.
  1. Go to Organization Settings > Integrations.
  2. Find Slack and click Enable.
  3. Complete the Slack app installation and authorize it for your workspace.

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Step 2: Authenticate your account

Once enabled, connect your personal Slack account so the agent acts with your permissions:
  1. Go to User Settings > Integrations.
  2. Click Connect next to Slack.
  3. Authorize Ona to link your Slack account.
If you mention Ona before connecting your account, it replies with a Connect Slack in Ona link and resumes your request automatically once you finish connecting.

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Verify it works

In a channel where the Ona app is present, or in a direct message, try: 
@Ona review this repo https://github.com/your-org/your-repo and summarize the README
The agent reacts to your message, posts a reply with a link to the running session, and updates that reply as it works. If nothing happens, verify both organization enablement and your personal account link are complete.

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Tips for effective use

Include a repository link: The agent picks the project from the repository URL in your message. Without one, it falls back to the thread’s earlier project or asks you to choose. Keep one task per thread: Each thread maps to a single session. Start a new thread for a new task. Use with AGENTS.md: Add your project conventions to AGENTS.md so agents follow your workflow.

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Next steps

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Troubleshooting

Check, in order:
  1. Is Slack enabled for your organization in Organization Settings > Integrations?
  2. Have you linked your Slack account in User Settings > Integrations?
  3. Is the Ona app present in the channel? In a private channel, invite the app first.
  4. Did you mention @Ona (in a channel) or message it directly?
Ona could not map your Slack account to an Ona user. Open the Connect Slack in Ona link in the reply, finish connecting your account, and the agent resumes your original request.
The agent could not find an Ona project for the repository, or the project has no environment class configured. Create a project for the repository, set an environment class in its settings, and mention Ona again.