How to Set Up OpenClaw on WhatsApp

How It Works

OpenClaw connects to WhatsApp via WhatsApp Web (using the Baileys library). You scan a QR code to link your WhatsApp account, and OpenClaw can then send and receive messages.

Setup Steps

1. Install OpenClaw and complete onboarding
2. Configure WhatsApp access policy in your config
3. Run the login command and scan the QR code with your phone
4. Start chatting with your AI assistant on WhatsApp!

Security

You control exactly who can talk to your bot using allowFrom phone numbers. The dmPolicy: "pairing" setting requires explicit pairing for new contacts, preventing unauthorized access.

Features on WhatsApp

• Text messages, voice messages, images
• Group chat support with allowlist
• Reactions and replies
• File sharing

// Configure WhatsApp in openclaw.json
{
  "channels": {
    "whatsapp": {
      "dmPolicy": "pairing",
      "allowFrom": ["+15551234567"],
      "groupPolicy": "allowlist",
      "groupAllowFrom": ["+15551234567"]
    }
  }
}

// Link WhatsApp
// Run: openclaw channels login --channel whatsapp
// Scan the QR code with your phone