OpenClaw WhatsApp Setup Guide

WhatsApp is the most-used messaging app in the world. Connecting OpenClaw to WhatsApp means your AI agent is available in the app you already use for everything — no separate app, no browser tab, just message it like you message anyone else.

This guide covers how to set up OpenClaw with WhatsApp in 2026, including both the official WhatsApp Business API route and the unofficial web-based option.

Two Ways to Connect WhatsApp

OpenClaw supports WhatsApp through two different approaches, with different tradeoffs:

Option 1: WhatsApp Web (Unofficial, Easier)

OpenClaw can connect to your existing WhatsApp account via the WhatsApp Web protocol — the same method that makes WhatsApp Web work in your browser. This requires no business account and costs nothing extra, but it’s an unofficial integration that WhatsApp doesn’t formally support. It works reliably for personal use.

Option 2: WhatsApp Business API (Official, More Robust)

The official path uses Meta’s WhatsApp Business API. This requires a verified business phone number, a Meta Business account, and some setup — but it’s stable, supported, and appropriate for business use where reliability matters. Costs vary by message volume; for low-volume personal assistant use it’s typically very cheap or free.

For most small business owners, Option 1 (WhatsApp Web) is the faster starting point. Switch to the Business API when you need more reliability or want to use a dedicated business number.

Setting Up WhatsApp Web with OpenClaw

Prerequisites

• OpenClaw installed and gateway running
• An existing WhatsApp account on your phone
• The WhatsApp plugin enabled in OpenClaw

Step 1: Enable the WhatsApp Plugin

Check if the WhatsApp plugin is available:

openclaw plugins list

Enable it:

openclaw plugins enable whatsapp-web

Step 2: Configure the Channel

Add to your ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json:

{
  "channels": {
    "whatsapp": {
      "enabled": true,
      "dmPolicy": "open",
      "allowFrom": ["YOUR_PHONE_NUMBER"]
    }
  }
}

Use your phone number in E.164 format: +15551234567 for a US number.

Step 3: Authenticate

openclaw gateway restart

OpenClaw will display a QR code in the terminal (or in logs). Scan it with WhatsApp on your phone:

1. Open WhatsApp on your phone
2. Go to Settings → Linked Devices → Link a Device
3. Scan the QR code shown in your terminal

Once scanned, OpenClaw is connected to your WhatsApp account. Message yourself — the gateway phone number — and you’ll get a response from your AI agent.

Step 4: Run as a Service

WhatsApp sessions can expire if the gateway restarts without re-authentication. To minimize this, run OpenClaw as a persistent service (see the Raspberry Pi or VPS setup guides for systemd instructions) and keep your phone connected to the same WhatsApp session.

Setting Up the Official WhatsApp Business API

The Business API gives you a dedicated phone number for your AI agent — cleaner for business use.

Step 1: Set Up a Meta Business Account

1. Go to business.facebook.com and create a Business account
2. Navigate to WhatsApp → Getting Started
3. Add a phone number (can be a new number or an existing one you transfer)
4. Complete business verification if required

Step 2: Get Your API Credentials

From the Meta Business dashboard:

• Create a WhatsApp Business App in the Developer portal
• Get your Phone Number ID and Access Token

Step 3: Configure OpenClaw

{
  "channels": {
    "whatsapp": {
      "enabled": true,
      "provider": "meta",
      "phoneNumberId": "YOUR_PHONE_NUMBER_ID",
      "accessToken": "YOUR_ACCESS_TOKEN",
      "allowFrom": ["YOUR_PERSONAL_WHATSAPP_NUMBER"]
    }
  }
}

See the OpenClaw documentation for the complete Business API configuration options.

Using WhatsApp with OpenClaw

Once connected, using OpenClaw via WhatsApp is identical to Telegram — just message it:

• Send text messages for questions and tasks
• Send voice messages (automatically transcribed)
• Share images or PDFs for analysis
• Get proactive messages from the agent when something needs your attention

Key Differences from Telegram

• Formatting: WhatsApp doesn’t support markdown tables or headers — the agent sends plain text responses on WhatsApp
• Polls: WhatsApp supports polls (up to 12 options)
• Groups: OpenClaw can participate in WhatsApp groups the same as Telegram groups
• Session stability: WhatsApp Web sessions require your phone to stay connected; the Business API is more stable

Troubleshooting

QR code expired before I could scan it

Restart the gateway (openclaw gateway restart) to generate a fresh QR code. You have about 60 seconds to scan it.

Bot stopped responding after a few days

WhatsApp Web sessions occasionally expire, especially if your phone’s WhatsApp app updates or your phone restarts. Re-link by restarting the gateway and scanning the QR code again. This is a limitation of the unofficial web protocol — the Business API avoids this issue.

Messages from other contacts are reaching the bot

Lock down your allowFrom list to only your number. Using ["*"] is convenient but means anyone who has your WhatsApp number can interact with your agent.

Which Channel Should You Use?

If you’re deciding between Telegram and WhatsApp for OpenClaw:

• Use Telegram if you want the most reliable, feature-rich experience — it’s purpose-built for bots and works flawlessly
• Use WhatsApp if you and your contacts already live in WhatsApp and don’t want to switch apps for AI interactions
• Use both — OpenClaw supports multiple channels simultaneously

Most users start with Telegram (easier setup) and add WhatsApp once they’re comfortable with how OpenClaw works. Either way, you get the same AI agent — just through a different chat app.

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Frequently Asked Questions