Status: Stable (WhatsApp Web via Baileys). The Gateway owns the session(s).

OpenClaw connects to WhatsApp using the Baileys library, simulating a WhatsApp Web client. This allows your agent to reply to messages, manage groups, and act as a personal assistant directly within WhatsApp.

1. Prepare a Phone Number Use a separate phone number if possible (recommended) or your personal number.

2. Configure OpenClaw Add the WhatsApp configuration to ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json.

   {
     channels: {
       whatsapp: {
         enabled: true,
         dmPolicy: "allowlist",
         allowFrom: ["+15551234567"] // Your personal number
       }
     }
   }

3. Start the Gateway Run the gateway to initialize the connection.

   openclaw gateway run

4. Scan QR Code The gateway will print a QR code to the terminal (or logs).

   • Open WhatsApp on your phone.
   • Go to Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device.
   • Scan the QR code.

Use a spare Android phone or an eSIM on your main device.

• Pros: Clean routing, no “self-chat” quirks, distinct identity.
• Setup: Install WhatsApp (or WhatsApp Business) on the spare device/profile. Link OpenClaw to this account.

Run OpenClaw on your own main number.

• Pros: No extra hardware/SIM needed.
• Cons: You have to message yourself (Note to Self) to talk to the bot.
• Quirks: You will see the bot’s replies as if you sent them.

{
  channels: {
    whatsapp: {
      enabled: true,
      // Who can talk to the bot?
      dmPolicy: "allowlist", // "allowlist" (strict) or "pairing" (open)
      allowFrom: ["+15551234567"],

      // Admin users (can run privileged commands)
      adminUsers: ["+15551234567"],

      // Session storage (defaults to ~/.openclaw/workspace/sessions/whatsapp)
      sessionDir: "/path/to/custom/session"
    }
  }
}