Channels
Channels are adapters that connect messaging platforms to the Gateway. Once a channel is wired up, messages from that platform flow into agent sessions and replies flow back — with no extra plumbing on your end.
I Made an AI Agent for Slack in 5 minutes — Step-by-Step Tutorial
Description
A channel is an adapter that connects a messaging platform to the OpenClaw Gateway. When a channel is configured, OpenClaw registers a webhook or long-poll listener on that platform. Inbound messages flow into the Gateway, get routed to the right agent session, and replies flow back out through the same channel — all transparently.
Channels are bidirectional: they receive messages from the platform and send agent replies back. Some channels (like Slack) also support richer interactions — emoji reactions, threaded replies, slash commands, and file attachments — which the agent can use when the skill or context calls for it.
You can connect multiple channels simultaneously. A single Gateway instance can serve Slack, Telegram, and WhatsApp at the same time. Each channel gets its own session routing — messages from Slack don't mix with messages from Telegram unless you explicitly configure them to share a session.
Channel credentials (bot tokens, API keys, webhook secrets) are stored encrypted in your local OpenClaw config file and never sent to any OpenClaw server. The only outbound traffic is from your machine directly to the platform's API.
Supported platforms
Best for teams. Supports slash commands, threads, and emoji reactions.
Easiest to set up. Bot API is simple and reliable.
Via WhatsApp Business API or compatible bridge.
Private and encrypted. Requires signal-cli on the host machine.
macOS-only via the iOS/macOS node. No separate setup needed.
HTTP interface for custom integrations and webhooks.
CLI commands
Interactive setup wizard (recommended for first channel)
openclaw onboardList connected channels
openclaw channel listAdd a channel manually
openclaw channel add <type>Remove a channel
openclaw channel remove <name>Test a channel connection
openclaw channel test <name>Tips
Start with Telegram or Slack
Both have the smoothest onboard flows and the best debugging experience.
Multiple channels, one agent
You can connect Slack, Telegram, and WhatsApp simultaneously. All route to the same agent session (or separate ones — your choice).
Token security
Channel tokens are stored encrypted in your local OpenClaw config, not in any cloud service.