WhatsApp is the world most popular messaging platform, with over 2 billion users globally. From family groups to business customer support, WhatsApp has become the go-to communication tool for personal and professional conversations alike. Its ubiquity makes it an ideal channel for AI assistants that need to reach users where they already are.
How OpenClaw Integrates with WhatsApp
OpenClaw connects to WhatsApp through Baileys, a WhatsApp Web-based library. Here is how to set it up:
- Configure access policy in your OpenClaw config:
{
channels: {
whatsapp: {
dmPolicy: "pairing",
allowFrom: ["+15551234567"],
groupPolicy: "allowlist"
}
}
}
- Link WhatsApp via QR code:
openclaw channels login --channel whatsapp
- Approve pairing request (if using pairing mode):
openclaw pairing approve whatsapp <CODE>
Key Features
OpenClaw WhatsApp integration offers:
- Direct Messages: Full DM support with pairing/allowlist controls
- Group Chats: Group message handling with configurable policies
- Media Support: Send and receive photos, videos, voice messages
- Message Reactions: Read and send emoji reactions
- QR Pairing: Simple authentication via QR code scan
- Multi-account: Run multiple WhatsApp bots from one OpenClaw instance
- Access Control: Configurable DM policies (pairing, allowlist, open, disabled)
- Self-chat Protection: Special handling when using personal numbers
Practical Use Case
A small business could deploy OpenClaw on WhatsApp for:
- 24/7 customer support automation
- Order status updates and tracking
- Appointment scheduling assistance
- FAQ responses for common inquiries
Since WhatsApp is already installed on most users phones, there is no app download required—users can simply message your business directly.
OpenClaw brings AI assistance to the platform of your choice. Learn more at docs.openclaw.ai
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