# Channel Setup

> Help the user connect a messaging channel (Telegram, Discord, WhatsApp, etc.) to OpenClaw

- Skill: `nearai/channel-setup` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add nearai/channel-setup`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/nearai/channel-setup/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: nearai (https://skillmd.com/u/nearai)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/nearai/channel-setup

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# Channel Setup

OpenClaw supports 23+ chat platforms. Full docs: https://docs.openclaw.ai/channels/index

CLI reference: https://docs.openclaw.ai/cli/channels

## Example: Telegram

1. Message **@BotFather** on Telegram, send `/newbot`, follow prompts, save the token
2. Add to your OpenClaw config (`~/.openclaw/openclaw.json`):
   ```json
   {
     "channels": {
       "telegram": {
         "enabled": true,
         "botToken": "YOUR_TOKEN_HERE",
         "dmPolicy": "pairing",
         "groups": { "*": { "requireMention": true } }
       }
     }
   }
   ```
   Or set env var: `TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN=...`
3. Restart the gateway, then message your bot on Telegram
4. Approve pairing: `openclaw pairing list telegram` → `openclaw pairing approve telegram <CODE>`
5. Verify: `openclaw channels list`

## Other Channels

- `openclaw channels add --channel <provider> --token <token>`
- `openclaw channels list` — show all configured channels
- `openclaw channels status` — check runtime status
- `openclaw channels remove --channel <provider>` — remove a channel