Activate multiple active conversations in Virtual Agent

  • Release version: Australia
  • Updated March 12, 2026
  • 1 minute to read
  • Use the multiple active conversations system, in combination with defined context values and a default portal, to handle concurrent conversations with Virtual Agent.

    Before you begin

    A default context is necessary to start out with the multiple active conversations system. See Set a default NLU context value for multiple active conversations for more information.

    Role required: virtual_agent_admin or admin

    About this task

    Virtual Agent includes settings that let multiple conversations be carried out with the same user across multiple portals. Users can also receive updates and notifications sent to any number of portals (determined by an administrator) anywhere in their instance on ServiceNow AI Platform.

    The multiple active conversations feature is inactive by default in Virtual Agent until toggled on. As of the Vancouver release, multiple active conversations are available through the chat widget; other channels may be incorporated in future.

    Procedure

    1. Navigate to All > Conversational Interfaces > Settings > Virtual Agent.
    2. Under multiple active conversations, select Manage settings.
    3. Select Activate.
    4. Select Save.

    What to do next

    With multiple active conversations activated, you can also send notifications from Virtual Agent to portals using the feature. See Route Virtual Agent NLU notifications through multiple portals for more information.