OpenClaw on Telegram

OpenClaw on Telegram lets you run your AI agent inside Telegram. Create a bot, connect OpenClaw, complete pairing, and start managing tasks, reminders, follow-ups, and workflows from chat.

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What Is OpenClaw on Telegram?

OpenClaw on Telegram lets users talk to their AI agent through a Telegram bot. The agent can receive messages, understand requests, and help run workflows directly from Telegram.

It is useful for tasks, reminders, follow-ups, notes, updates, and team workflows. Instead of opening a separate dashboard or web app, you message your agent in the same app you already use for chat.

Telegram works well for this because bot setup is direct through BotFather, unlike some platforms that love making setup feel like a government form.

If you're new to OpenClaw, start with What is OpenClaw.

What You Need Before Setup

Before you start, make sure you have the basics ready. This helps you avoid setup confusion before you touch config files and summon technical misery.

Telegram account
OpenClaw setup or hosting (self-hosted or Ampere.sh)
Telegram bot created with BotFather
Bot token
OpenClaw gateway/channel configuration
Pairing approval
Basic security check before connecting real workflows

If you're self-hosting, here's the fastest way to install OpenClaw on Windows 10.

How To Create A Telegram Bot With BotFather

Open Telegram and search for @BotFather

BotFather is Telegram's official bot for creating and managing bots. Start a chat with it.

Send /newbot

/newbot

Add a bot name and username

The name is what users see. The username must end in bot (e.g. my_openclaw_bot).

Save the bot details

BotFather confirms creation and shows your bot. Keep the bot username handy — you will need it to find the bot on Telegram.

How To Get Your Telegram Bot Token

After creating the bot, BotFather gives you a token — a long string like 7123456789:AAH_xYz.... This token connects Telegram with OpenClaw.

BotFather gives the token right after bot creation
The token connects Telegram with OpenClaw
The token should not be shared publicly
If exposed, regenerate it from BotFather
Keep it inside OpenClaw config only

The bot token is basically the bot's password. Treat it like one, because apparently people still paste secrets into random screenshots.

How To Connect Telegram With OpenClaw

Install the Telegram plugin

openclaw plugins install @openclaw/telegram

Add the bot token and set policies

{
  channels: {
    telegram: {
      enabled: true,
      botToken: "YOUR_BOT_TOKEN_HERE",
      dmPolicy: "pairing",
      groupPolicy: "allowlist",
      requireMention: true,
    },
  },
}

Start the OpenClaw gateway

openclaw gateway

Send first message and check if OpenClaw receives it

Open Telegram, find your bot, and send a test message. If pairing is enabled, you will need to approve it before the agent responds.

How OpenClaw Telegram Pairing Works

Pairing confirms who can access your OpenClaw agent. When someone messages the Telegram bot, OpenClaw shows a pairing request. The admin approves it, and only then can the user talk to the agent. This prevents random people from controlling the bot.

User messages the Telegram bot

The bot receives the message and OpenClaw creates a pairing request.

Admin reviews the pairing request

openclaw pairing list telegram

Admin approves the pairing

openclaw pairing approve telegram <CODE>

After approval, the Telegram user can talk to the agent. Pairing codes expire after 1 hour.

Pairing can also be done directly through Telegram with /pair, pending request review, and approval. This is slightly important when the thing can run workflows instead of just replying with “noted.”

Important Telegram Bot Settings To Check

DM setup is easier. Group setup needs more attention because Telegram limits what bots can see by default.

Privacy Mode — controls what the bot can see in groups. Disable with /setprivacy in BotFather if your bot needs to read group messages
Group Join Setting — controls whether the bot can be added to groups. Toggle with /setjoingroups in BotFather
Require Mention — useful when using OpenClaw inside groups to avoid replying to every random message
Bot Commands — helps users know how to interact with the bot
Admin Permission — needed only when the bot must read or manage more group activity

Easiest Way To Run OpenClaw on Telegram

Manual setup needs hosting, config, gateway, uptime, and security. Ampere.sh helps users run OpenClaw without managing servers or Docker. You can deploy OpenClaw, connect Telegram, and start testing workflows faster.

Best for founders, operators, solopreneurs, creators, and teams who want setup without server maintenance.

Ampere.sh Setup Flow

1.Create an account on Ampere.sh

2.Deploy your OpenClaw agent

3.Add your agent name and workflow instructions

4.Connect Telegram as the channel

5.Add or connect Telegram bot details

6.Complete pairing

7.Send your first Telegram message

8.Start with one workflow — reminders, lead follow-ups, or daily planning

The free plan includes Telegram integration, 5,000 free credits per month.

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FAQs About OpenClaw on Telegram

How do I connect OpenClaw to Telegram?

Create a bot via BotFather, get the token, add it to your OpenClaw Telegram channel config, start the gateway, approve pairing, and send a test message.

Do I need BotFather to use OpenClaw on Telegram?

Yes. BotFather is the official way to create Telegram bots and get a bot token, which OpenClaw needs to connect to Telegram.

Where do I find my Telegram bot token?

BotFather gives you the token after creating the bot with /newbot. You can also regenerate it anytime by messaging BotFather and using /token.

Can OpenClaw work in Telegram groups?

Yes. Add the bot to a group and configure group settings. Use requireMention to prevent the bot from replying to every message.

Why is my Telegram bot not replying?

Most common reasons: gateway is not running, bot token is wrong, or pairing has not been approved. Check each one in order.

Is OpenClaw on Telegram safe?

Yes. Use pairing to control access, keep your bot token private, and limit who can message the bot. Messages go directly between Telegram and your OpenClaw instance.

Do I need a server to run OpenClaw on Telegram?

If self-hosting, yes. If using Ampere.sh, the server is provisioned and managed for you automatically.

Can I run OpenClaw on Telegram without Docker?

Yes. OpenClaw can run directly with Node.js, or you can use Ampere.sh which handles all infrastructure without Docker.

What is the easiest way to deploy OpenClaw on Telegram?

Use Ampere.sh to deploy OpenClaw, connect Telegram as a channel, complete pairing, and start messaging — all without managing servers or Docker.

Can Ampere.sh help me run OpenClaw on Telegram?

Yes. Ampere.sh is managed OpenClaw hosting. You deploy your agent, connect Telegram, and start using it. Hosting, updates, and security are handled for you.

Also Read

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OpenClaw on Android: Easy Setup Guide with Termux

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How to Run OpenClaw on Arch Linux

Installation

How to Run OpenClaw on AWS Using Lightsail and EC2

Written by

Sarah Mitchell

Integration Specialist Writer

Sarah is an API integration specialist with deep expertise in connecting AI agents with messaging platforms and productivity tools. She has architected integrations for Discord, Telegram, WhatsApp, Slack, and Notion, serving over 100,000 users. Passionate about creating seamless automation workflows and developer-friendly APIs.

Run OpenClaw on Telegram Without Manual Setup

Deploy OpenClaw with Ampere.sh, connect Telegram, complete pairing, and start managing tasks, reminders, follow-ups, and workflows from one chat app.

Deploy OpenClaw on Telegram