> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.spinnable.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Worker Communication Restrictions
> Control who can communicate with your AI workers across email and WhatsApp
By default, Spinnable AI workers can receive messages from anyone who emails them at their `@spinnable.app` address or messages them on WhatsApp using your account's configured phone number.
If you are using a worker for sensitive internal tasks — or want to prevent uninvited external people from consuming your message quota — you can restrict who is allowed to reach each worker.
## Restricting Worker Access
Access restrictions are configured **per worker** on the worker's Settings page.
Open the worker you want to restrict, then click **Settings** in the floating rail or bottom bar.
Scroll down to the **Security & Privacy** section.
Choose the communication restriction level for **Email** and **WhatsApp**:
* **Anyone** (default) — Any external address or phone number can message the worker.
* **Team Members Only** — Only people who belong to your Spinnable team can message the worker.
* **Manager Only** — Only the account manager and assigned co-managers can message the worker.
Click **Save**. The restrictions take effect immediately.
***
## Understanding "Team Members Only" Mode
Selecting **Team Members Only** blocks messages from anyone who is not an active member of your Spinnable team.
### What counts as a team member?
**Domain matching does NOT make someone a team member.** If your company uses `@yourcompany.com`, an email from `colleague@yourcompany.com` will still be **blocked** unless that colleague has been invited to and accepted membership in your Spinnable team.
Team membership is based on explicit Spinnable team membership — not email domain matching.
For a colleague's message to be accepted:
1. They must have a Spinnable account.
2. They must have accepted an invitation to your Spinnable team.
If an uninvited colleague emails your worker, the message will be rejected — even if they share your exact email domain.
### How to allow a colleague to talk to your worker
To let a colleague communicate with a restricted worker:
1. Go to **Teams** in the left sidebar and verify that the colleague has accepted their invitation. See [inviting team members](/account/teams#inviting-team-members) if you need to add someone.
2. Once they are an active member of your Spinnable team, their emails and WhatsApp messages to your worker will be accepted automatically.
***
## What Happens When a Message Is Blocked?
When an unauthorized user attempts to message a restricted worker:
* **Email:** The sender receives an automated bounce message explaining that the worker only accepts messages from authorized team members.
* **WhatsApp:** The sender receives a brief reply indicating the worker is not accessible to external contacts.
* **Quota impact:** Blocked messages **do not consume** your monthly external message quota.
***
## Summary of Restriction Levels
| Mode | Who Can Message the Worker | Best Used For |
| --------------------- | --------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Anyone** | Anyone with the worker's email or WhatsApp ID | Customer support, public-facing sales assistants, vendor intake |
| **Team Members Only** | Active members of your Spinnable team | Internal ops workers, HR assistants, internal IT helpdesk |
| **Manager Only** | Account owner and assigned co-managers | Executive assistants, personal task runners, sensitive data processors |
***
## Related Guides
Invite team members and manage your Spinnable team
Learn how external messages are counted and capped