OpenClaw Channel Setup: Connect Telegram, Discord, and WhatsApp

OpenClaw Channel Setup: Connect Telegram, Discord, and WhatsApp

OpenClaw Channel Setup: Connect Telegram, Discord, and WhatsApp

By Sarah Chen | February 7, 2026

OpenClaw Channel Setup: Connect Telegram, Discord, and WhatsApp

OpenClaw becomes truly powerful when connected to your everyday messaging apps. This guide covers setup for the three most popular channels: Telegram, Discord, and WhatsApp.

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Prerequisites

Before configuring channels, ensure:

  • OpenClaw gateway is running: openclaw gateway status
  • You have admin access to each platform's developer portal
  • API keys/tokens are ready for each service

    • ---

    Telegram Setup

    Step 1: Create a Bot

    1. Open Telegram and search for @BotFather 2. Send /newbot to create a new bot 3. Follow prompts to name your bot (ends in bot or Bot) 4. Copy the token — you'll need it for configuration

    Step 2: Configure OpenClaw

    # Set the bot token openclaw config set telegram.token "YOUR_BOT_TOKEN"
    Enable Telegram channel
     openclaw config set telegram.enabled true
    Optional: Restrict to specific users
     openclaw config set telegram.allowFrom ["user_id_1", "user_id_2"]

    Step 3: Pair Your Account

    # Start the pairing process openclaw channels telegram pair

    You'll receive a code in Telegram — enter it to complete pairing.

    Step 4: Test the Connection

    # Send a test message openclaw message send --channel telegram --to "@your_bot" --message "Hello from OpenClaw!"

    ---

    Discord Setup

    Step 1: Create a Discord Application

    1. Go to Discord Developer Portal 2. Click "New Application" and name it 3. Go to "Bot" → "Add Bot" 4. Copy the Bot Token

    Step 2: Configure Permissions

    Under Bot settings, enable:

  • Message Content Intent (required for reading messages)
  • Send Messages
  • Manage Messages (optional)
  • Embed Links (optional)

    • Step 3: Invite the Bot

    1. Go to OAuth2 → URL Generator 2. Select scopes: bot 3. Select permissions: Send Messages, Read Message History 4. Copy the URL and open it to invite the bot to your server

    Step 4: Configure OpenClaw

    # Set the bot token openclaw config set discord.token "YOUR_DISCORD_TOKEN"
    Enable Discord
     openclaw config set discord.enabled true
    Set the default guild (server)
     openclaw config set discord.guildId "YOUR_GUILD_ID"

    Step 5: Test Discord

    # Check connection openclaw channels discord test
    Send a message
     openclaw message send --channel discord --to "#general" --message "OpenClaw is connected!"

    ---

    WhatsApp Business Setup

    Step 1: Get WhatsApp Business API

    Using Meta for Developers:

    1. Create a Meta App 2. Add WhatsApp product 3. Get Phone Number ID and Access Token

    Step 2: Configure OpenClaw

    # Set WhatsApp credentials openclaw config set whatsapp.phoneNumberId "YOUR_PHONE_NUMBER_ID" openclaw config set whatsapp.accessToken "YOUR_ACCESS_TOKEN"
    Enable WhatsApp
     openclaw config set whatsapp.enabled true
    Set message policy
     openclaw config set whatsapp.selfChatMode true openclaw config set whatsapp.dmPolicy "allowlist" openclaw config set whatsapp.allowFrom ["+15551234567"]

    Step 3: Verify Phone Number

    Complete WhatsApp business verification in Meta portal before testing.

    ---

    Multi-Channel Best Practices

    Organization Tips

    Use CaseRecommended Channel
    Quick questionsTelegram
    Team collaborationDiscord
    Personal remindersWhatsApp
    Voice interactionsTelegram (voice notes)

    Security Considerations

    # Restrict channels to trusted users openclaw config set telegram.allowFrom ["user_id_1"]
    Set DM policy
     openclaw config set telegram.dmPolicy "allowlist" openclaw config set discord.dmPolicy "allowlist"
    Disable specific channels if unused
     openclaw config set whatsapp.enabled false

    ---

    Troubleshooting Channel Issues

    Common Errors

    ErrorSolution
    Token invalidRegenerate token in platform settings
    Gateway not runningopenclaw gateway start
    Channel not enabledCheck openclaw config get .enabled
    Permission deniedVerify bot has correct roles/permissions

    Verify Configuration

    # Check all channel settings openclaw config get channels
    Test each channel
     openclaw channels test --all
    View gateway status
     openclaw gateway status

    ---

    Advanced: Channel-Specific Agents

    Route different channels to different agents:

    {   "channels": {     "telegram": {       "agentId": "main"     },     "discord": {       "agentId": "work-assistant"     },     "whatsapp": {       "agentId": "personal-assistant"     }   } }

    This lets each channel have its own personality, memory, and tools.

    ---

    Final Thoughts

    Multiple channels make OpenClaw accessible wherever you already communicate. Start with one channel, verify it works, then add others gradually.

    ---

    Related Articles:

  • OpenClaw Setup for Beginners: Complete Installation Guide
  • OpenClaw Tools vs Skills: Understanding the Mental Model
  • OpenClaw Multi-Agent Setup: Run Multiple AI Assistants

    • Tags: OpenClaw, AI, Tutorial

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