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 ship.
What a channel actually does
A channel is 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 quickly. Community posts often lag behind, which can lead to misconfiguration. The safest source is always the official documentation for channels.
How to pick the right channel
Pick the platform you already use daily, then confirm that permissions and notifications match your workflow. For production, enable only the channels you need to minimize exposure.
Common setup details
Each platform has different requirements for bot permissions, webhook URLs, or callback setup. Test in a small group or sandbox channel before rolling it out broadly.
Security considerations for channels
Channels can expose your assistant to a larger audience than intended. Restrict admin actions to verified accounts and use channel-specific rules for sensitive commands. If you connect a public channel, treat it as untrusted input and require confirmation before execution.
Operational tips
Give each channel a clear purpose, such as alerts, task intake, or approvals. This reduces noise and makes it easier to audit what happened in a workflow. Consistent naming also helps if you use multiple channels in the same instance.
Rate limits and reliability
Some platforms enforce strict rate limits or message formatting rules. If you see delayed or missing responses, check the platform limits and adjust how frequently the agent posts. A slower, more reliable flow beats a fast but unstable one.
Multi-channel routing
OpenClaw can run multiple channels at once. Decide which channel is the primary command path and which are for notifications to avoid 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.