One of OpenClaw's greatest strengths is its ability to meet you where you already are. Whether you prefer Telegram, Discord, or both — your AI assistant is just a message away.
Telegram Integration
Telegram is the most popular platform for OpenClaw users. Here's how to set it up.
Step 1: Create a Telegram Bot
- Open Telegram and search for
@BotFather - Send
/newbot - Choose a name (e.g., "My OpenClaw Assistant")
- Choose a username (must end in
bot, e.g.,myopenclaw_bot) - Copy the API token BotFather gives you
Step 2: Configure OpenClaw
openclaw configure --section telegram
Enter your bot token when prompted. Or edit your config:
{
"channels": {
"telegram": {
"token": "YOUR_BOT_TOKEN",
"ownerIds": [123456789]
}
}
}
The ownerIds array contains Telegram user IDs who can use the bot. Find yours by messaging @userinfobot.
Step 3: Start and Test
openclaw gateway start
Message your bot on Telegram. Say "Hello!" and watch the magic happen.
Telegram Features
- Private chats: Direct conversation with your assistant
- Group chats: Add the bot to groups (it can be selective about when to respond)
- Inline mode: Use
@yourbot queryin any chat - File sharing: Send images, documents for the AI to analyze
- Voice messages: Send voice notes (with Whisper skill)
Discord Integration
Discord is perfect for community servers or personal productivity servers.
Step 1: Create a Discord Application
- Go to Discord Developer Portal
- Click "New Application" and name it
- Go to "Bot" section and click "Add Bot"
- Copy the bot token
- Enable "Message Content Intent" under Privileged Gateway Intents
Step 2: Generate Invite Link
In the Developer Portal:
- Go to "OAuth2" → "URL Generator"
- Select scopes:
bot,applications.commands - Select permissions:
Send Messages,Read Message History,Attach Files - Copy the generated URL and open it to invite your bot
Step 3: Configure OpenClaw
openclaw configure --section discord
Or edit your config:
{
"channels": {
"discord": {
"token": "YOUR_DISCORD_BOT_TOKEN",
"ownerIds": ["your_discord_user_id"]
}
}
}
Discord Features
- Server channels: Respond in specific channels
- DMs: Private conversations
- Threads: Keep conversations organized
- Reactions: React to messages with emojis
- Slash commands: Use
/commandsyntax
Multi-Channel Setup
Run both Telegram and Discord simultaneously:
{
"channels": {
"telegram": {
"token": "TELEGRAM_TOKEN",
"ownerIds": [123456789]
},
"discord": {
"token": "DISCORD_TOKEN",
"ownerIds": ["987654321"]
}
}
}
OpenClaw maintains separate conversation contexts for each channel while sharing the same skills and capabilities.
Best Practices
Security
- Never share your bot tokens
- Use
ownerIdsto restrict access - Review messages in group settings
Performance
- Set appropriate rate limits
- Use heartbeat intervals wisely
- Consider separate bots for different purposes
User Experience
- Set a clear bot description
- Use profile pictures that match your brand
- Configure response behaviors for groups vs DMs
Troubleshooting
Bot not responding?
- Check
openclaw gateway status - Verify token is correct
- Ensure your user ID is in
ownerIds
Messages delayed?
- Check your internet connection
- Review rate limit settings
- Check API status for Telegram/Discord
Bot responding in wrong channels?
Configure channel-specific settings in your config to control where and when the bot responds.
What's Next?
Now that you're connected:
- Try sending a voice message (if Whisper skill is installed)
- Share an image and ask questions about it
- Set up group chat rules with AGENTS.md
- Explore more channels: WhatsApp, Signal, Slack
Your AI assistant is now truly portable — available wherever you need it.
Related Articles
- Getting Started with OpenClaw — First steps with your AI assistant
- Extend with Skills — Add capabilities via plugins
- Automate Everything — Cron jobs and scheduled tasks
- Personalize Your Assistant — Memory and customization guide