WeChat Integration

Bring OpenClaw to WeChat's 1.3 Billion Users

WeChat is not just a messaging app - it is the super-app that defines digital life in China. From messaging to payments, shopping to services, WeChat is where business happens. OpenClaw integrates with WeChat's Official Account Platform, Mini Programs, and Work WeChat to deliver AI-powered experiences to the world's largest messaging ecosystem.

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How OpenClaw WeChat Integration Works

We Register Your WeChat Account

We create a WeChat Official Account (Service Account for businesses, Subscription Account for content) or configure Work WeChat for enterprise use. We handle the verification process and business documentation.

We Configure Developer Settings

We enable developer mode in your Official Account admin panel and configure the server URL, token, and encoding key for message encryption. We verify your server can respond to WeChat's challenge requests.

We Connect the OpenClaw Bridge

We link your WeChat credentials to OpenClaw's WeChat bridge module. The bridge handles WeChat's XML message format, signature verification, and response formatting. We configure AI behavior for WeChat-specific interactions.

We Deploy and Test Everything

Your WeChat account now responds with AI intelligence. We build menus, configure Mini Programs, and leverage WeChat's rich ecosystem. Users follow your account and chat to receive AI-powered responses.

Why Connect OpenClaw to {page.integration.name}

Access China's Digital Ecosystem

WeChat is essential infrastructure in China with over 1.3 billion monthly active users. An AI presence on WeChat opens access to Chinese consumers, businesses, and markets. From customer service to commerce, WeChat is where engagement happens.

Integrated Payment System

WeChat Pay is one of China's dominant payment systems. Your OpenClaw bot can facilitate transactions, send payment requests, and integrate with e-commerce. AI-powered conversational commerce becomes possible within the chat interface.

Mini Program Integration

Extend your bot with WeChat Mini Programs - lightweight apps that run within WeChat. Combine AI conversation with rich application interfaces. Users can complete complex tasks without leaving the WeChat ecosystem.

Work WeChat for Enterprise

Deploy AI assistance within enterprise Work WeChat (WeCom) for internal communication. Integrate with corporate systems, automate HR queries, and provide employees with intelligent workplace assistance.

Rich Media Messaging

Send and receive text, images, voice messages, video, and location. Create news articles, card messages, and interactive menus. WeChat's rich message formats enable engaging AI interactions beyond simple text.

Custom Menu System

Build permanent navigation menus at the bottom of your chat interface. Up to 3 primary buttons with 5 sub-buttons each provide structured access to bot features. Combine menu navigation with conversational AI.

Setup Guide

Register WeChat Official Account

Create an Official Account through the WeChat admin platform. Service Accounts are best for businesses (more features, verified badge). Subscription Accounts work for content creators. Verification requires business registration documents.

# WeChat Official Account Types:

# 1. Subscription Account (订阅号)
#    - For media and individuals
#    - Messages appear in subscription folder
#    - Limited API access
#    - Easier registration

# 2. Service Account (服务号)
#    - For businesses and organizations
#    - Messages appear in main chat list
#    - Full API access
#    - Requires business verification
#    - Push 4 messages/month to all followers

# Registration: https://mp.weixin.qq.com
# Required documents:
#    - Business license
#    - Administrator ID
#    - Bank account for verification

Enable Developer Mode

Configure developer settings in your Official Account admin panel. This enables programmatic access to receive and respond to messages. You'll configure a server URL that WeChat will call when messages arrive.

# In WeChat Admin Panel:
# 设置与开发 (Settings & Dev) > 基本配置 (Basic Config)

# Configure:
# 1. 服务器地址 (Server URL): https://yourdomain.com/wechat/webhook
# 2. 令牌 (Token): YOUR_VERIFICATION_TOKEN
# 3. 消息加解密密钥 (EncodingAESKey): Auto-generated 43-char key
# 4. 消息加解密方式: 安全模式 (Encrypted mode - recommended)

# Save AppID and AppSecret:
# AppID: wx1234567890abcdef
# AppSecret: Your secret key (keep secure!)

# WeChat will send a verification request
# Your server must respond correctly to activate

Install WeChat Bridge Module

Add the WeChat bridge to your OpenClaw installation. The bridge handles WeChat's unique XML message format, signature verification, and access token management.

# Using OpenClaw CLI
openclaw install wechat-bridge

# Or manual installation
cd /path/to/openclaw
npm install @openclaw/wechat-bridge

# This installs wechat-api packages
npm install co-wechat co-wechat-api

# Verify installation
openclaw plugins list | grep wechat

Configure WeChat Connection

Create your WeChat configuration file with Official Account credentials and message handling settings. Configure encryption mode and response behavior.

# config/wechat.yaml
wechat:
  enabled: true
  
  # Official Account credentials
  app_id: "YOUR_APP_ID"
  app_secret: "YOUR_APP_SECRET"
  token: "YOUR_VERIFICATION_TOKEN"
  encoding_aes_key: "YOUR_ENCODING_AES_KEY"
  
  # Webhook settings
  webhook:
    path: "/wechat/webhook"
    port: 443  # Must be 80 or 443
  
  # Message handling
  messages:
    encrypt_mode: "aes"  # plain, compatible, aes
    auto_reply: true
    typing_simulation: false  # WeChat doesn't support typing indicators
  
  # Access token management
  token_cache:
    enabled: true
    storage: "redis"  # or 'memory', 'file'
    redis_url: "redis://localhost:6379"

Implement Verification Handler

WeChat verifies your server by sending a GET request with signature, timestamp, nonce, and echostr. Your server must verify the signature and return the echostr to prove authenticity.

# OpenClaw handles this automatically, but here's the logic:

# Verification request parameters:
# - signature: SHA1(sorted(token, timestamp, nonce))
# - timestamp: Unix timestamp
# - nonce: Random string
# - echostr: Random string to return

# Verification process:
# 1. Sort [token, timestamp, nonce] alphabetically
# 2. Concatenate sorted values
# 3. SHA1 hash the concatenation
# 4. Compare with signature
# 5. If match, return echostr

# Test verification:
openclaw wechat verify-test

# Once verified, WeChat shows "配置成功" (Config Successful)

Configure Custom Menu

Create the persistent menu that appears at the bottom of your Official Account chat. Menus can trigger messages, open URLs, or launch Mini Programs.

# config/wechat-menu.yaml
menu:
  buttons:
    # First column
    - type: click
      name: "Ask AI"
      key: "AI_QUERY"
    
    # Second column with submenu
    - name: "Services"
      sub_buttons:
        - type: click
          name: "Customer Service"
          key: "CUSTOMER_SERVICE"
        - type: click
          name: "FAQ"
          key: "FAQ"
        - type: view
          name: "Website"
          url: "https://yourwebsite.com"
    
    # Third column
    - type: miniprogram
      name: "Mini App"
      appid: "YOUR_MINIPROGRAM_APPID"
      pagepath: "pages/index/index"
      url: "https://fallback.url"  # For old clients

# Deploy menu:
openclaw wechat menu deploy

Configure AI Response Behavior

Set up how OpenClaw processes WeChat messages and formats responses. Handle different message types and configure WeChat-specific features.

# config/wechat-ai.yaml
ai_responses:
  # Response time limit (WeChat requires response within 5 seconds)
  timeout_seconds: 4
  async_mode: true  # Use customer service API for slow responses
  
  # Message type handlers
  handlers:
    text: ai_response
    voice: transcribe_and_respond
    image: analyze_and_respond
    video: describe_and_respond
    location: contextual_response
    link: summarize_and_respond
  
  # Response formatting
  format:
    max_length: 600  # WeChat text message limit
    split_long_messages: true
    use_news_for_long: true  # Convert long responses to news articles
  
  # Event handlers
  events:
    subscribe: welcome_message
    unsubscribe: log_only
    scan: handle_qr_scan
    location: update_user_location
    click: handle_menu_click
    view: log_url_click

Test and Deploy

Test your WeChat bot functionality and verify all message types work correctly. Use WeChat's sandbox environment for development before going live.

# Use WeChat Sandbox for development:
# https://mp.weixin.qq.com/debug/cgi-bin/sandbox

# Start OpenClaw WeChat bridge
openclaw wechat start

# Check status
openclaw wechat status

# View logs
openclaw logs wechat --follow

# Test with WeChat:
# 1. Scan QR code to follow your test account
# 2. Send a message
# 3. Verify AI response

# Monitor access token
openclaw wechat token status

What You Can Do

Customer Service in China

Provide 24/7 customer support to Chinese customers through WeChat. Answer product questions, handle complaints, process orders, and escalate to human agents. Essential for any business targeting the Chinese market.

E-commerce Assistant

Guide users through product discovery, answer questions, provide recommendations, and facilitate purchases with WeChat Pay integration. Create seamless conversational commerce experiences.

Travel and Tourism

Assist Chinese tourists with travel information, booking help, translation services, and local recommendations. Hotels, airlines, and attractions use WeChat bots to serve the Chinese travel market.

Healthcare Information

Provide health information, appointment scheduling, and patient support through WeChat. Chinese healthcare providers use Official Accounts for patient communication and health management.

Education and Learning

Deliver educational content, answer student questions, provide tutoring assistance, and manage course communications. Schools and EdTech companies leverage WeChat for student engagement.

Enterprise Communication

Deploy AI assistance in Work WeChat for internal enterprise use. Automate HR queries, IT support, and business processes. Connect to corporate systems for intelligent workplace assistance.

Financial Services

Provide account information, transaction assistance, and financial advice through WeChat. Banks and fintech companies use Official Accounts for customer engagement.

Government Services

Many Chinese government agencies offer services through WeChat. Provide citizens with information, process requests, and deliver public services through AI-assisted conversations.

Brand Engagement

Build brand presence and engage followers with interactive AI experiences. Run campaigns, distribute content, and create memorable interactions that strengthen brand loyalty.

Known Limitations

Account verification requires Chinese business registration or approved foreign business documentation
Service Accounts can only push 4 messages per month to all followers (but unlimited replies)
Response time limit: WeChat requires initial response within 5 seconds
Text messages limited to 600 characters (2048 for customer service messages)
WeChat Mini Programs require separate development and approval process
API access varies by account type - full features require verified Service Account
Content subject to Chinese regulations and WeChat policies
Some AI capabilities may face additional regulatory considerations in China
Cross-border data transfer considerations for non-Chinese businesses
Payment integration (WeChat Pay) requires separate merchant registration
Our team can help you work around these limitations with custom configurations

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreign businesses create WeChat Official Accounts?

Yes, but with requirements. Foreign businesses can register Service Accounts through WeChat's overseas registration process or via authorized third-party registration services. You'll need business registration documents, a company representative, and sometimes a Chinese entity or partner. The verification process takes 2-4 weeks and involves document review. Some features may be limited for overseas accounts.

What's the difference between Service and Subscription accounts?

Service Accounts are for businesses: messages appear in the main chat list (higher visibility), full API access, can send 4 push messages/month to all followers, and can integrate WeChat Pay. Subscription Accounts are for content creators: messages appear in a subscription folder (lower visibility), limited API access, can push once daily, no payment integration. For AI bots with business functions, Service Accounts are recommended.

Why does WeChat require responses within 5 seconds?

WeChat's architecture requires servers to respond quickly. If your server doesn't respond within 5 seconds, WeChat may retry the request (causing duplicate processing) and users see no response. For AI processing that takes longer, use async mode: respond with an empty string or 'success' immediately, then use the Customer Service Message API to send the actual response within 48 hours of user activity.

Can the bot initiate conversations with users?

Not arbitrarily. WeChat protects users from spam. You can only send proactive messages during a 48-hour window after a user's last interaction. Service Accounts can push 4 template messages per month to all followers. For ongoing engagement, users must interact regularly or subscribe to specific notifications. This is why engaging, valuable AI responses are crucial for retention.

How do I handle Chinese language processing?

OpenClaw supports Chinese language through compatible AI models. Use models trained on Chinese data for best results. Consider simplified vs. traditional Chinese based on your target audience. WeChat users expect natural Chinese, so ensure your AI responses are grammatically correct and culturally appropriate. Test with native speakers before launch.

What about data storage and privacy regulations?

China has strict data localization requirements. Personal information of Chinese users often must be stored in China. If you're a foreign business, work with legal counsel on compliance with PIPL (Personal Information Protection Law), CSL (Cybersecurity Law), and DSL (Data Security Law). Consider using Chinese cloud providers for data storage and processing.

Can I integrate WeChat Pay with OpenClaw?

Yes, for Service Accounts with WeChat Pay merchant accounts. Users can make payments within the chat experience. This enables conversational commerce - browse products, ask questions, and pay without leaving WeChat. Merchant account registration is separate from Official Account registration and has its own requirements.

How do Mini Programs relate to the bot?

Mini Programs are lightweight apps within WeChat. Your bot can link to Mini Programs for complex interactions that go beyond chat - forms, product catalogs, games, etc. The bot handles conversation while Mini Programs handle structured interfaces. Users tap a menu item or link to open the Mini Program, complete an action, then return to chat. They complement each other.

What about Work WeChat (WeCom)?

Work WeChat is the enterprise version, similar to Slack or Teams. It's separate from regular WeChat Official Accounts. Work WeChat has its own API, developer console, and integration patterns. OpenClaw supports Work WeChat through a separate configuration. It's ideal for internal company AI assistants that integrate with corporate systems.

How do I monitor and analyze bot performance?

WeChat provides analytics in the Official Account admin panel - follower growth, message volume, menu clicks, etc. For deeper analysis, implement tracking in your OpenClaw configuration. Log conversations (respecting privacy regulations), track response times, measure user satisfaction, and analyze common queries. This data helps improve AI responses and user experience.

Ready to Enter China's Digital Ecosystem?

Let our team handle the integration. Book a free consultation and we'll deploy OpenClaw on WeChat to provide AI-powered experiences where Chinese consumers live their digital lives.

Book a Free Consultation