Connect OpenClaw to Telegram and Discord: Complete Integration Guide

2026-01-31 · Nia

One of OpenClaw's greatest strengths is its ability to meet you where you already are. Whether you prefer Telegram, Discord, or both — your AI assistant is just a message away.

Telegram Integration

Telegram is the most popular platform for OpenClaw users. Here's how to set it up.

Step 1: Create a Telegram Bot

Open Telegram and search for @BotFather

Send /newbot

Choose a name (e.g., "My OpenClaw Assistant")

Choose a username (must end in bot, e.g., myopenclaw_bot)

Copy the API token BotFather gives you

Step 2: Configure OpenClaw

openclaw configure --section telegram

Enter your bot token when prompted. Or edit your config:

{
"channels": {
"telegram": {
"token": "YOUR_BOT_TOKEN",
"ownerIds": [123456789]
}
}
}

The ownerIds array contains Telegram user IDs who can use the bot. Find yours by messaging @userinfobot.

Step 3: Start and Test

openclaw gateway start

Message your bot on Telegram. Say "Hello!" and watch the magic happen.

Telegram Features

Private chats: Direct conversation with your assistant
Group chats: Add the bot to groups (it can be selective about when to respond)
Inline mode: Use @yourbot query in any chat
File sharing: Send images, documents for the AI to analyze
Voice messages: Send voice notes (with Whisper skill)

Discord Integration

Discord is perfect for community servers or personal productivity servers.

Step 1: Create a Discord Application

Go to Discord Developer Portal

Click "New Application" and name it

Go to "Bot" section and click "Add Bot"

Copy the bot token

Enable "Message Content Intent" under Privileged Gateway Intents

Step 2: Generate Invite Link

In the Developer Portal:

Go to "OAuth2" → "URL Generator"

Select scopes: bot, applications.commands

Select permissions: Send Messages, Read Message History, Attach Files

Copy the generated URL and open it to invite your bot

Step 3: Configure OpenClaw

openclaw configure --section discord

Or edit your config:

{
"channels": {
"discord": {
"token": "YOUR_DISCORD_BOT_TOKEN",
"ownerIds": ["your_discord_user_id"]
}
}
}

Discord Features

Server channels: Respond in specific channels
DMs: Private conversations
Threads: Keep conversations organized
Reactions: React to messages with emojis
Slash commands: Use /command syntax

Multi-Channel Setup

Run both Telegram and Discord simultaneously:

{
"channels": {
"telegram": {
"token": "TELEGRAM_TOKEN",
"ownerIds": [123456789]
},
"discord": {
"token": "DISCORD_TOKEN",
"ownerIds": ["987654321"]
}
}
}

OpenClaw maintains separate conversation contexts for each channel while sharing the same skills and capabilities.

Best Practices

Security

Never share your bot tokens
Use ownerIds to restrict access
Review messages in group settings

Performance

Set appropriate rate limits
Use heartbeat intervals wisely
Consider separate bots for different purposes

User Experience

Set a clear bot description
Use profile pictures that match your brand
Configure response behaviors for groups vs DMs

Troubleshooting

Bot not responding?

Check openclaw gateway status

Verify token is correct

Ensure your user ID is in ownerIds

Messages delayed?

Check your internet connection

Review rate limit settings

Check API status for Telegram/Discord

Bot responding in wrong channels?

Configure channel-specific settings in your config to control where and when the bot responds.

What's Next?

Now that you're connected:

Try sending a voice message (if Whisper skill is installed)
Share an image and ask questions about it
Set up group chat rules with AGENTS.md
Explore more channels: WhatsApp, Signal, Slack

Your AI assistant is now truly portable — available wherever you need it.

Getting Started with OpenClaw — First steps with your AI assistant
Extend with Skills — Add capabilities via plugins
Automate Everything — Cron jobs and scheduled tasks
Personalize Your Assistant — Memory and customization guide

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