The short answer
Use OpenClaw's own channel before adding another service.
OpenClaw connects through WhatsApp Web with Baileys. Its Gateway keeps that link running. You normally do not need another messaging service for this setup.
A linked-device connection does not remove WhatsApp's rules. Do not use it for unwanted bulk messages or contact people who did not expect your message.
Name the parts
The channel carries the chat into the OpenClaw Gateway.
This is not the official WhatsApp Business Cloud API. It is also not VoidFix or another outside messaging gateway. Those ways to connect use different accounts and message paths. They also use different credentials.
Prepare four things
Decide who owns the number and who may use the agent.
A running OpenClaw install
Finish the normal OpenClaw setup first. The Gateway must be able to start before a chat channel can stay connected.
A WhatsApp number you control
OpenClaw recommends a separate number. Decide who owns it and who can use the linked phone.
A private place for the QR code
Scan the live code directly. Do not publish it in a screenshot, chat, guide, support post, or recording.
A sender access plan
Start with pairing or a small allowlist. Do not open a tool-enabled agent to every unknown sender.
OpenClaw setup guide:OpenClaw WhatsApp channel guide
Six setup steps
Link the account, then approve the person.
- 01
Add the WhatsApp channel. Run
openclaw onboardoropenclaw channels add --channel whatsapp. OpenClaw offers to install its WhatsApp channel plugin when it is missing. - 02
Choose the sender policy. In the channel settings, keep direct messages on
pairingwhile you set up. An allowlist is a fixed list of approved phone numbers. Add only known numbers to it. - 03
Show the login QR code. Run
openclaw channels login --channel whatsapp. Keep the terminal open because the live QR code can expire. - 04
Link the WhatsApp account. On the phone, open WhatsApp's Linked Devices screen and scan the QR code. Treat that QR code like a short-lived password.
- 05
Start the OpenClaw Gateway. Run
openclaw gateway. The Gateway keeps the live WhatsApp connection and listens for messages. - 06
Approve the first sender. Send a message to the linked number. Approve the new request in Settings or with
openclaw pairing approve whatsapp <CODE>.
The QR code links the WhatsApp account to OpenClaw. The later pairing code approves a person who wants to message the agent. One code does not replace the other.
Two separate doors
Account login and sender approval protect different things.
Door 1: WhatsApp login
The QR code links the WhatsApp account. Anyone who gets a live login code may be able to add a linked device, so keep it private.
Door 2: agent access
The direct-message policy decides which senders can reach the agent. With pairing, an unknown sender waits until the operator approves the request.
Pairing rules can change. Check how long a pairing request stays open and how many requests can wait:OpenClaw sender pairing guide
Before real users
Keep the sender list small and the agent's power limited.
- 01
Run OpenClaw's built-in safety check. Use
openclaw security auditafter changing access and before other people can reach the Gateway. - 02
Use pairing or allowlists. Give access only to people who should be able to trigger the agent.
- 03
Limit groups. Keep groups off or allow only the groups and senders you have reviewed.
- 04
Protect saved login files. Keep the OpenClaw data folder and WhatsApp login files out of public backups and shared code folders.
- 05
Do not trust links, files, or instructions inside messages. They can try to trick the agent. Limit risky tools and keep sensitive work separate.
If different groups must not share data, read the security guide to learn how to keep them separate.
Small checks first
Find whether the problem is login, Gateway, or access.
| What you see | Check | Useful command |
|---|---|---|
| Not linked | Run QR login again and scan the live code | openclaw channels login --channel whatsapp |
| Linked but no replies | Check Gateway and channel health | openclaw channels status --probe |
| Unknown sender waits | Review the direct-message access request | openclaw pairing list whatsapp |
| Repeated reconnects | Check the host connection and run diagnostics. Then read the logs. | openclaw doctor |
Back up the correct account data before logging out or linking the account again. Logging out removes the saved WhatsApp login for that OpenClaw account.
Guides used for this setup
Check OpenClaw's guides for updated steps.
- OpenClaw WhatsApp channel guide
- OpenClaw sender pairing guide
- OpenClaw Gateway security guide
- WhatsApp Terms of Service
Sources checked August 26, 2026. Commands, plugin behavior, and WhatsApp rules can change. We did not test message delivery, connection time, or account limits for this page.
Straight answers
OpenClaw WhatsApp questions.
Does OpenClaw have a built-in way to connect WhatsApp?
Yes. OpenClaw documents a WhatsApp channel plugin that the normal channel setup can install. The OpenClaw Gateway owns the linked session after login.
Does OpenClaw WhatsApp use the official Cloud API?
No. OpenClaw uses WhatsApp Web through Baileys. The WhatsApp Business Cloud API is a different connection. It needs a Meta app, a business account, private login details, and a secure web address that receives new messages.
Do I need VoidFix or Twilio for OpenClaw WhatsApp?
Not for this built-in channel. An outside messaging service would be a separate way to connect, with its own setup and message path.
Can I use my personal WhatsApp number?
OpenClaw documents personal-number and self-chat support, but it recommends a separate number. A separate number also makes testing and account ownership easier to understand.
Why does an unknown sender get a pairing code?
Pairing stops an unknown sender's message from reaching the agent until the operator approves that sender. It is different from the QR code that links the WhatsApp account.
Will WhatsApp keep working when my computer is off?
Only if the OpenClaw Gateway runs on another always-on computer or server. The linked phone alone does not keep your OpenClaw process running.