🦞
Channel Integration

Connect OpenClaw to WhatsApp

The most popular way to use OpenClaw (formerly Moltbot). Chat with your AI assistant directly in WhatsApp.

💬 Why WhatsApp is the Best Channel
  • ✓Always With You — WhatsApp is already on your phone
  • ✓Voice Messages — Send voice notes, OpenClaw transcribes and responds
  • ✓Image Analysis — Send photos for AI to analyze
  • ✓Natural Interface — Feels like texting a friend
⚠️ Important: WhatsApp Business API

OpenClaw uses the unofficial WhatsApp Web protocol. This means:

  • • You need to link a phone number (like WhatsApp Web)
  • • Your existing WhatsApp account is used
  • • WhatsApp may change their protocol without notice
  • • For business use, consider the official WhatsApp Business API

Setup Steps

1

Enable WhatsApp in Config

Add WhatsApp configuration to your OpenClaw config file:

{
  "channels": {
    "whatsapp": {
      "enabled": true,
      "allowFrom": ["+1234567890"]
    }
  }
}

Replace with phone numbers allowed to message your bot

2

Restart OpenClaw

Restart to apply the WhatsApp configuration:

openclaw restart
3

Scan QR Code

A QR code will appear in the OpenClaw dashboard or terminal. Scan it with WhatsApp:

  • • Open WhatsApp on your phone
  • • Go to Settings -> Linked Devices
  • • Tap "Link a Device"
  • • Scan the QR code shown by OpenClaw
4

Start Chatting

Once linked, send yourself a message from another device, or have a friend message the linked number. OpenClaw will respond to messages from numbers in your allowFrom list.

Advanced Configuration
{
  "channels": {
    "whatsapp": {
      "enabled": true,
      "allowFrom": ["+1234567890", "+0987654321"],
      "allowGroups": false,
      "autoRead": true,
      "typingIndicator": true,
      "reactionEmoji": "🦞"
    }
  }
}
  • allowFrom — Phone numbers that can message (with country code)
  • allowGroups — Enable responses in group chats
  • autoRead — Mark messages as read automatically
  • typingIndicator — Show "typing..." while processing
  • reactionEmoji — React to messages when received
Pro Tips
💡Use a secondary phone number — Get a cheap SIM or use Google Voice for your bot
💡Voice messages work great — OpenClaw transcribes audio and responds in text
💡Send images for analysis — Screenshots, receipts, documents - OpenClaw can read them
⚠️ Troubleshooting

QR code expired?

QR codes expire after a few minutes. Restart OpenClaw to generate a new one.

Connection keeps dropping?

Keep the linked phone connected to the internet. WhatsApp Web requires the phone to be online periodically.

Bot not responding to certain people?

Make sure their phone number (with + and country code) is in the allowFrom array.

WhatsApp Connected!

Explore more channels or customize your AI assistant with skills.

Add TelegramExplore Skills