Configuring Messaging Channels: WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal

OpenClaw enables direct automation and integration with popular messaging platforms including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. This guide walks through configuring each channel using the OpenClaw CLI.

Prerequisites

Before setting up any messaging channel:

Ensure OpenClaw is installed and the gateway is running:
```
openclaw gateway start
```
Update to the latest version:
```
openclaw upgrade
```
Verify your device is authorized and signed in to the messaging apps.

Note: OpenClaw interacts directly with mobile clients via local device access. No cloud proxies or third-party APIs are used.

WhatsApp integration connects through your local phone using the companion browser session.

Setup Steps

On your phone, open WhatsApp > Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device
Run the pairing command:
```
openclaw whatsapp pair
```
Scan the displayed QR code with your phone
Once paired, test the connection:
```
openclaw whatsapp status
```

Sending a Message

To send a message to a contact:

openclaw whatsapp send --to "+15551234567" "Hello from OpenClaw!"

Replace the phone number with the recipient's full international number.

Receiving Messages

Enable message polling:

openclaw whatsapp listen

This starts a background service that delivers incoming messages to your workspace.

Telegram support leverages Bot API integration for reliable two-way messaging.

Create a Bot

Talk to @BotFather on Telegram
Send /newbot and follow prompts
Save the provided bot token (e.g. 123456:ABC-DEF1234ghIkl-zyx57W2v1u123ieS)

Connect to OpenClaw

openclaw telegram connect --token "YOUR_BOT_TOKEN"

Usage

Send messages:

openclaw telegram send --chat "@username" "Test message"

Broadcast to groups:

openclaw telegram send --chat "-100123456789" "Hello group!"

Listen for incoming messages:
```
openclaw telegram listen
```

Signal

Signal integration uses the Signal CLI in server mode.

Prerequisites

Signal CLI installed (brew install signal-cli on macOS)
Phone number registered with Signal

Link Device

openclaw signal link --number "+15551234567"

You’ll receive a verification code via SMS.

Complete verification:

openclaw signal verify --code "123-456" --number "+15551234567"

Send and Receive

Send a message:

openclaw signal send --to "+15559876543" "Hello via Signal!"

Start message listener:
```
openclaw signal listen
```

Best Practices

Store sensitive tokens in environment variables
Use --dry-run to test commands without sending
Monitor logs with journalctl -u openclaw (Linux) or Console.app (macOS)
Keep sessions active: avoid pairing expiration by using regularly

Troubleshooting

| Issue | Solution | |-------|----------| | WhatsApp not pairing | Ensure phone has internet, restart WhatsApp, retry | | Telegram bot not responding | Verify bot token, check privacy settings | | Signal verification failed | Retry with correct code, check SMS delay | | Messages not delivering | Confirm recipient number format (E.164) |