OpenClaw WhatsApp: AI Assistant in Your Favorite Messaging App

Last Updated: February 2026

Turn WhatsApp into your AI command center. Here's how to connect OpenClaw to WhatsApp.

Why WhatsApp?

• 2 billion users — It's probably already on your phone
• Natural interface — Chat like you would with a friend
• Always accessible — Phone, web, desktop
• Group support — AI assistant in group chats
• Media sharing — Send images, files, voice notes

Setup Options

Option 1: WhatsApp Web Bridge (Recommended)

Uses your existing WhatsApp account via the web interface.

Pros:

• Uses your real number
• Full WhatsApp features
• No additional accounts needed

Cons:

• Requires WhatsApp Web running
• Session can expire

Setup:

openclaw channels setup whatsapp

Follow the QR code scan process, similar to WhatsApp Web.

Option 2: WhatsApp Business API

For business/professional use with a dedicated number.

Pros:

• More reliable
• Business features
• No personal number needed

Cons:

• Requires approval
• Monthly cost
• More complex setup

Contact Meta for Business API access.

Quick Start Guide

1. Install OpenClaw

npm install -g openclaw
openclaw onboard

2. Add WhatsApp Channel

openclaw channels setup whatsapp

3. Scan QR Code

A QR code will appear. Scan it with WhatsApp:

1. Open WhatsApp on your phone
2. Go to Settings → Linked Devices
3. Tap "Link a Device"
4. Scan the QR code

4. Start Chatting

Message yourself (or have others message you) and OpenClaw responds!

Features

Voice Notes

Send voice messages to OpenClaw. It transcribes and responds.

Image Analysis

Send images. OpenClaw can describe, analyze, or extract text.

Group Chats

Add OpenClaw to group chats. Mention it or configure auto-response.

File Sharing

Send documents for summarization, analysis, or data extraction.

Configuration

Basic Config

# In your config
channels:
  whatsapp:
    enabled: true
    autoReply: true
    allowFrom: all  # or specific numbers

Restricting Access

Only allow specific numbers:

channels:
  whatsapp:
    allowFrom:
      - "+1234567890"
      - "+0987654321"

Group Behavior

channels:
  whatsapp:
    groups:
      mentionOnly: true  # Only respond when mentioned
      # or
      alwaysRespond: false

Use Cases

Personal Assistant

• "Remind me to call mom at 6pm"
• "What's on my calendar tomorrow?"
• "Draft a response to this email" (forward email)

Information Lookup

• "What's the weather in Tokyo?"
• "Summarize this article" (send link)
• "Translate this to Spanish"

Task Automation

• "Add milk to my shopping list"
• "Create a task to review the proposal"
• "Schedule a meeting with John next week"

Voice Notes Workflow

Record a voice note with your thoughts → OpenClaw transcribes → Saves to notes → Sends confirmation

Troubleshooting

"Connection Lost"

WhatsApp Web sessions can expire. Re-scan the QR code:

openclaw channels reconnect whatsapp

"Message Not Delivered"

Check:

1. OpenClaw is running
2. WhatsApp Web is connected
3. Internet connection is stable

"Slow Responses"

• Check your AI provider status
• Reduce message complexity
• Ensure server has resources

"Not Responding to Groups"

Check group configuration:

channels:
  whatsapp:
    groups:
      enabled: true

Privacy Considerations

Your Data

• Messages go through WhatsApp (Meta)
• OpenClaw processes on your server
• AI provider sees message content

Others' Data

Be thoughtful about:

• Adding OpenClaw to group chats
• What data you share
• Disclosure to contacts

Recommendations

• Use for personal messages
• Be transparent with contacts
• Don't share sensitive third-party data

Advanced Configuration

Custom Trigger Words

Only respond to specific triggers:

channels:
  whatsapp:
    triggers:
      - "hey openclaw"
      - "assistant"
      - "/ask"

Business Hours

Only respond during certain times:

channels:
  whatsapp:
    schedule:
      enabled: true
      hours: "09:00-18:00"
      timezone: "America/New_York"

Auto-Away Messages

When outside business hours or busy:

channels:
  whatsapp:
    awayMessage: "I'll get back to you soon!"

Tips for Best Experience

1. Start Simple

Begin with basic queries. Add complexity as you learn.

2. Use Voice Notes

Speaking is often faster than typing, especially for longer requests.

3. Send Screenshots

Instead of describing, screenshot and send. OpenClaw can read images.

4. Create Shortcuts

For common tasks, define quick commands:

• "briefing" → Morning summary
• "tasks" → Today's to-do list

5. Keep It Conversational

OpenClaw understands natural language. No need for special syntax.

FAQ

Can I use my existing WhatsApp number?

Yes, with the web bridge method. You use WhatsApp normally while OpenClaw also has access.

Will my contacts know it's AI?

Only if you tell them. Messages come from your number/account.

Is it free?

WhatsApp itself is free. OpenClaw is free. You pay for AI API calls.

Can it send messages automatically?

Yes, with cron jobs and automation skills. Set scheduled messages, reminders, etc.

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WhatsApp + OpenClaw = AI assistant in your pocket. Start with simple queries and discover what's possible.