Short answer
OpenClaw connects to messaging platforms through its gateway. Common channels include Telegram and Discord, but the exact list can change as new integrations are released.
What a channel actually does
A channel acts as the bridge between your chat app and the local agent runtime. It forwards messages to OpenClaw and returns results to the same conversation, making the workflow feel native.
Why you should check the official list
Channel support evolves rapidly. Community posts often lag behind, which can lead to misconfiguration. The most reliable source is always the official documentation for channels.
How to pick the right channel
Choose the platform you already use daily, then confirm that permissions and notifications align with your workflow. For production environments, enable only the channels you require to minimise exposure.
Common setup details
Each platform has distinct requirements for bot permissions, webhook URLs, or callback setup. Test in a small group or sandbox channel before deploying it widely.
Security considerations for channels
Channels can expose your assistant to a broader audience than intended. Restrict admin actions to verified accounts and implement channel-specific rules for sensitive commands. If you connect a public channel, treat it as untrusted input and require confirmation before execution.
Operational tips
Assign a clear purpose to each channel, such as for alerts, task intake, or approvals. This reduces noise and simplifies auditing of workflow events. Consistent naming also helps if you utilise multiple channels within the same instance.
Rate limits and reliability
Some platforms enforce strict rate limits or message formatting rules. If you encounter delayed or missed responses, check the platform's limits and adjust the agent's posting frequency. A slower, more dependable flow is preferable to a fast but unstable one.
Multi-channel routing
OpenClaw can operate multiple channels concurrently. Determine which channel serves as the primary command path and which are designated for notifications to prevent confusion and duplicated tasks.
Related OpenClaw questions
What is OpenClaw? How to install OpenClaw How to use OpenClaw OpenClaw system requirements OpenClaw features OpenClaw security risks Supported chat channels OpenClaw skills and plugins Local vs cloud OpenClaw OpenClaw vs Clawdbot/Moltbot
Official reference
For the current channel list and setup steps, see: Channels documentation .