WhatsApp Integration

Connect OpenClaw to WhatsApp for Seamless AI Assistance

Turn WhatsApp into your AI-powered command center. Send natural language commands, automate workflows, manage your calendar, control smart devices, and get instant AI assistance - all from the messaging app you already use every day. With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp becomes the perfect interface for your personal AI assistant.

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How OpenClaw WhatsApp Integration Works

We Connect Your WhatsApp Account

We link your WhatsApp account to OpenClaw using the WhatsApp Business API or through community bridges. The connection is established securely using end-to-end encryption protocols, ensuring your messages remain private while enabling AI-powered responses.

We Configure Message Handling

We set up how OpenClaw processes incoming messages, define trigger words, establish conversation contexts, and configure which chats (personal, groups, or business) should receive AI assistance.

We Define Capabilities and Permissions

We specify what actions OpenClaw can perform through WhatsApp - calendar management, smart home control, web searches, file sharing, contact management, and custom automations. We set permission boundaries to ensure the AI only accesses what you authorize.

Start Chatting with Your AI

Begin sending natural language commands to OpenClaw through WhatsApp. Ask questions, request task automation, manage your schedule, get reminders, control connected services, and leverage the full power of your AI assistant through simple text messages or voice notes.

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Always Available Assistance

Access your AI assistant 24/7 from any device with WhatsApp installed. Whether you're on your phone, tablet, or desktop, OpenClaw is just a message away. No need to switch apps or remember different interfaces - your AI lives where you already communicate.

Natural Conversation Interface

Interact with your AI using the same natural language you use with friends and family. No special commands or syntax required. Send voice notes for hands-free interaction, share images for visual context, and have flowing conversations that feel completely natural.

End-to-End Encryption

Benefit from WhatsApp's robust end-to-end encryption for all your AI interactions. Your commands, queries, and personal data remain private and secure. OpenClaw processes messages locally when possible, minimizing data exposure while maximizing privacy.

Cross-Platform Synchronization

Your conversations and AI interactions sync seamlessly across all your devices. Start a task on your phone during your commute, continue on your desktop at work, and check results on your tablet at home. Everything stays in perfect sync through WhatsApp's infrastructure.

Group AI Assistance

Add OpenClaw to WhatsApp groups for shared AI assistance. Family groups can manage shared calendars, work teams can automate meeting scheduling, and friend groups can plan events collaboratively - all with AI-powered help within the conversation.

Rich Media Support

Exchange images, documents, voice notes, and location data with your AI assistant. Send a photo of a document for OCR processing, share your location for contextual recommendations, or receive formatted reports and visualizations directly in your chat.

Setup Guide

Prerequisites and Requirements

Before setting up the WhatsApp integration, ensure you have OpenClaw installed and running on your server or local machine. You'll need a WhatsApp account (personal or business), Node.js 18+ installed, and administrative access to your OpenClaw configuration. For production deployments, a WhatsApp Business API account is recommended for better reliability and compliance.

# Verify OpenClaw is running
curl http://localhost:3000/health

# Check Node.js version
node --version  # Should be 18.x or higher

# Verify npm is available
npm --version

Install the WhatsApp Bridge Module

OpenClaw uses bridge modules to connect with WhatsApp. The most popular options are the official WhatsApp Business API integration or community bridges like Baileys. For personal use, Baileys provides a free, open-source solution. For business applications, the official API offers better support and compliance.

# Navigate to OpenClaw directory
cd /path/to/openclaw

# Install WhatsApp bridge using OpenClaw CLI
openclaw install whatsapp-bridge

# Or install manually
npm install @openclaw/whatsapp-bridge

# For Baileys-based connection (personal use)
npm install @whiskeysockets/baileys

Configure WhatsApp Connection Settings

Create or modify your OpenClaw configuration file to include WhatsApp bridge settings. Specify your preferred connection method, authentication settings, and message handling preferences. The configuration supports multiple WhatsApp accounts if needed.

# config/whatsapp.yaml
whatsapp:
  enabled: true
  bridge: baileys  # or 'business-api'
  
  # Authentication
  auth:
    store_path: ./data/whatsapp-auth
    multi_device: true
  
  # Message handling
  messages:
    auto_read: true
    typing_indicator: true
    trigger_prefix: "!ai"  # Optional command prefix
  
  # Rate limiting
  rate_limit:
    messages_per_minute: 30
    cooldown_seconds: 2
  
  # Allowed contacts (leave empty for all)
  allowed_contacts: []
  
  # Group settings
  groups:
    enabled: true
    require_mention: true  # Require @AI mention in groups

Authenticate with WhatsApp

Run the authentication flow to link your WhatsApp account with OpenClaw. For the Baileys bridge, this involves scanning a QR code with your WhatsApp mobile app. The session credentials are stored locally and persist across restarts.

# Start the WhatsApp authentication process
openclaw whatsapp auth

# This will display a QR code in your terminal
# Open WhatsApp on your phone:
# 1. Go to Settings > Linked Devices
# 2. Tap 'Link a Device'
# 3. Scan the QR code displayed in terminal

# Verify connection status
openclaw whatsapp status

# Expected output:
# WhatsApp Bridge Status: Connected
# Account: +1234567890
# Device: OpenClaw Server

Configure AI Response Behavior

Customize how OpenClaw responds to WhatsApp messages. Set up personality traits, response formats, language preferences, and special handling rules. You can create different response profiles for different contacts or groups.

# config/whatsapp-ai.yaml
ai_responses:
  # Default personality
  personality: helpful_assistant
  
  # Response formatting
  format:
    max_length: 4000  # WhatsApp message limit
    use_markdown: false  # WhatsApp doesn't support markdown
    split_long_messages: true
  
  # Language settings
  language:
    auto_detect: true
    default: en
    supported: [en, es, fr, de, pt, zh, ja, ko]
  
  # Context handling
  context:
    message_history: 50  # Messages to remember
    session_timeout: 3600  # Seconds
  
  # Special handlers
  handlers:
    voice_notes: transcribe_and_respond
    images: analyze_and_describe
    documents: extract_and_summarize
    locations: provide_contextual_info

Set Up Automation Triggers

Create automation rules that trigger based on WhatsApp messages. Set up scheduled messages, auto-responses for specific keywords, and integration triggers that connect WhatsApp to other services through OpenClaw's MCP protocol.

# config/whatsapp-automations.yaml
automations:
  # Morning briefing
  - name: daily_briefing
    trigger:
      type: scheduled
      cron: "0 7 * * *"  # 7 AM daily
    action:
      send_message:
        content: "Good morning! Here's your briefing..."
        include:
          - weather
          - calendar_today
          - top_news
          - reminders
  
  # Keyword triggers
  - name: quick_weather
    trigger:
      type: keyword
      patterns: ["weather", "forecast", "rain?"]
    action:
      fetch_weather:
        location: auto  # Use user's last known location
  
  # Smart home integration
  - name: home_control
    trigger:
      type: intent
      intents: ["turn_on", "turn_off", "set_temperature"]
    action:
      forward_to: home_assistant

Test Your Integration

Verify that the WhatsApp integration is working correctly by sending test messages and checking responses. Test various features including text responses, voice note handling, image analysis, and automation triggers.

# Send a test message from your phone to the connected number
# Or use the CLI to verify:

openclaw whatsapp test

# Run integration tests
openclaw test whatsapp --verbose

# Check logs for any issues
openclaw logs whatsapp --tail 100

# Monitor real-time message handling
openclaw whatsapp monitor

Production Deployment Considerations

For reliable production use, consider implementing proper error handling, session recovery, message queuing, and monitoring. Use process managers like PM2 or systemd to keep the bridge running, and implement health checks for automatic recovery.

# PM2 ecosystem file for production
# ecosystem.config.js
module.exports = {
  apps: [{
    name: 'openclaw-whatsapp',
    script: 'openclaw',
    args: 'whatsapp start',
    instances: 1,
    autorestart: true,
    watch: false,
    max_memory_restart: '1G',
    env: {
      NODE_ENV: 'production',
      WHATSAPP_LOG_LEVEL: 'info'
    },
    error_file: './logs/whatsapp-error.log',
    out_file: './logs/whatsapp-out.log'
  }]
};

# Start with PM2
pm2 start ecosystem.config.js

What You Can Do

Personal Task Management

Transform WhatsApp into your personal productivity hub. Send quick messages like 'remind me to call mom at 5pm' or 'add milk to my shopping list' and OpenClaw handles the rest. Review your tasks, get daily summaries, and manage your to-do lists through natural conversation without ever opening another app.

Smart Home Control

Control your entire smart home through WhatsApp messages. 'Turn off all lights', 'Set thermostat to 72', 'Lock the front door', or 'Show me the front porch camera' - all processed instantly by OpenClaw. Create scenes, check device status, and automate routines through simple text commands.

Calendar and Scheduling

Manage your entire schedule through WhatsApp. Ask 'What's on my calendar today?', 'Schedule a meeting with John tomorrow at 2pm', or 'Find a free slot next week for a dentist appointment'. OpenClaw integrates with Google Calendar, Outlook, and Apple Calendar to keep your life organized.

Information and Research

Get instant answers to any question. Whether you need quick facts, detailed research, translations, calculations, or real-time information like weather and news, simply ask through WhatsApp. OpenClaw searches the web, processes information, and delivers concise, relevant answers.

Family Coordination

Add OpenClaw to your family WhatsApp group for shared assistance. Coordinate schedules, share shopping lists, plan meals, track family events, and get help with homework questions. Everyone can interact with the AI assistant, making family organization effortless.

Travel Assistant

Plan trips, get real-time flight updates, find local recommendations, translate languages, convert currencies, and navigate new cities - all through WhatsApp. Share your location and get contextual suggestions for restaurants, attractions, and transportation options.

Health and Fitness Tracking

Log meals, track workouts, record symptoms, and monitor health metrics through simple WhatsApp messages. 'I just ran 5k in 28 minutes', 'Log breakfast: oatmeal with berries', or 'How many calories have I eaten today?' OpenClaw maintains your health diary effortlessly.

Customer Support Automation

For businesses, deploy OpenClaw on WhatsApp Business to handle customer inquiries automatically. Answer FAQs, process orders, schedule appointments, and escalate complex issues to human agents. Provide 24/7 support without expanding your team.

Voice Note Processing

Send voice notes when typing isn't convenient. OpenClaw transcribes your voice messages, understands the intent, and responds appropriately. Perfect for hands-free operation while driving, cooking, or multitasking. Get text responses or voice replies based on your preference.

Known Limitations

WhatsApp Business API requires approval and has associated costs for high-volume messaging
Community bridges like Baileys operate in a legal gray area and may violate WhatsApp's Terms of Service
Message rate limits apply: sending too many messages too quickly may result in temporary or permanent bans
End-to-end encryption means OpenClaw cannot access messages from before the integration was set up
Group message handling requires mentions or trigger words to avoid responding to every message
Voice note transcription accuracy depends on audio quality and background noise
Image analysis capabilities are limited compared to dedicated vision APIs
WhatsApp may update their protocols, potentially breaking community bridge connections
Multi-device support requires re-authentication if the primary phone is disconnected for extended periods
Business accounts cannot send messages to users who haven't initiated contact first (anti-spam policy)
Our team can help you work around these limitations with custom configurations

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WhatsApp integration free to use?

The OpenClaw WhatsApp integration itself is free as part of the open-source project. However, if you use the official WhatsApp Business API, there are costs associated with message delivery (typically $0.005-0.09 per message depending on region and message type). Community bridges like Baileys are completely free but come with compliance considerations. For personal use, the free community bridge options work well; for business applications, the official API is recommended despite the costs.

Will using OpenClaw with WhatsApp get my account banned?

Using the official WhatsApp Business API with OpenClaw is fully compliant with WhatsApp's terms and will not result in bans. However, using community bridges like Baileys or whatsapp-web.js technically violates WhatsApp's Terms of Service, as they simulate the web client. While many users operate these bridges without issues, there is an inherent risk. To minimize ban risk: avoid sending mass messages, don't use the account for spam, maintain normal usage patterns, and don't automate responses to users who haven't consented. Using a dedicated phone number for OpenClaw is recommended.

Can OpenClaw read my existing WhatsApp messages?

No, OpenClaw cannot access your existing WhatsApp message history from before the integration was set up. Due to WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption, messages are only accessible to the sender and recipient at the time of delivery. OpenClaw can only see and process new messages received after the integration is active. This is actually a privacy feature - your historical conversations remain completely private and inaccessible to the AI assistant.

How do I use OpenClaw in WhatsApp groups without it responding to everything?

OpenClaw supports several methods to control when it responds in groups: 1) Require @mentions - the AI only responds when specifically mentioned (e.g., '@AI what's the weather?'), 2) Use trigger prefixes - configure a prefix like '!ai' that must start messages for OpenClaw to respond, 3) Create a dedicated group - add only OpenClaw to a group where all messages are directed to it, 4) Set up specific keyword triggers - the AI only responds to certain phrases. These settings are configured in your whatsapp.yaml configuration file under the groups section.

Can I use OpenClaw with WhatsApp on multiple devices?

Yes, OpenClaw works seamlessly with WhatsApp's multi-device feature. Once authenticated, your conversations with OpenClaw are synced across all your linked devices - phone, tablet, WhatsApp Web, and desktop apps. The OpenClaw bridge runs as an additional linked device, meaning you can continue using WhatsApp normally on all your devices while the AI assistant processes messages in the background. There's no need to keep your phone online once the initial multi-device pairing is complete.

How secure are my messages when using OpenClaw with WhatsApp?

WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption remains intact for all messages between you and your contacts. Messages between you and OpenClaw are encrypted in transit to the OpenClaw server, where they must be decrypted for AI processing. If you self-host OpenClaw, your messages never leave your own infrastructure. For cloud-hosted OpenClaw deployments, messages are processed in memory and not stored permanently. For maximum security: self-host OpenClaw, use the official Business API, enable two-factor authentication on WhatsApp, and regularly review linked devices.

What happens if my internet connection drops while using OpenClaw?

OpenClaw implements robust connection handling for intermittent connectivity. If the connection drops, messages you send are queued by WhatsApp and delivered when connectivity resumes. The OpenClaw bridge includes automatic reconnection logic with exponential backoff. Authentication sessions persist across disconnections (up to 14 days of offline time for multi-device). If you're offline for extended periods, you may need to re-scan the QR code. For production deployments, implementing health checks and automatic restart through PM2 or systemd ensures minimal downtime.

Can OpenClaw send images and files through WhatsApp?

Yes, OpenClaw can send various media types through WhatsApp including images, documents, audio files, and videos. Common use cases include sending generated charts and graphs, sharing documents from cloud storage, returning processed images, and sending voice response messages. There are file size limits (16MB for images/audio, 100MB for documents, 16MB for videos) and format restrictions matching WhatsApp's supported media types. You can also receive and process media - send a document for summarization, an image for analysis, or a voice note for transcription.

How do I update the OpenClaw WhatsApp integration?

Update the WhatsApp bridge module using the OpenClaw CLI: 'openclaw update whatsapp-bridge'. This preserves your configuration and authentication session. For major version updates, check the changelog for breaking changes and backup your configuration first. If using the Baileys bridge, updates may be required when WhatsApp changes their web client protocol. Enable automatic update notifications with 'openclaw config set auto_update_notify true'. After updating, verify the integration with 'openclaw whatsapp test' before resuming normal operation.

Can I have different AI behaviors for different WhatsApp contacts?

Yes, OpenClaw supports per-contact and per-group customization. You can create different 'personas' or response profiles that activate based on who you're messaging. For example: a professional tone for work contacts, casual responses for friends, simplified language for elderly relatives, or specialized knowledge for specific groups. Configure this in your whatsapp-ai.yaml file under contact-specific rules. You can also set different permissions per contact - allowing full smart home control for family members while limiting external contacts to basic queries only.

Ready to Transform Your WhatsApp Experience?

Let our team handle the integration. Book a free consultation and we'll connect OpenClaw to WhatsApp to unlock the power of AI assistance in your favorite messaging app.

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