Messaging apps have quietly become the new command line.

In 2026, many OpenClaw users don’t open a dashboard to trigger automations—they send a message. Telegram, with its robust Bot API and strong support for webhooks and long polling, has become one of the most popular channels for deploying OpenClaw agents.

This guide walks through a complete, production-ready Telegram integration setup for OpenClaw, whether you’re running locally or on a VPS.

Why Telegram + OpenClaw?

Telegram is particularly well-suited for agentic AI because it offers:

• A powerful Bot API with webhook and polling support

• Secure token-based authentication

• Group and channel compatibility

• Rich message formatting and file handling

• Cross-platform access (desktop, mobile, web)

Unlike proprietary assistant platforms, Telegram allows OpenClaw to operate as a fully autonomous agent within a messaging environment you control.

Step 1: Create Your Telegram Bot (BotFather)

Telegram bots are created using BotFather, Telegram’s official bot management tool.

How to create your bot:

1. Open Telegram.

2. Search for @BotFather.

3. Start a chat and type:

   /start
   

4. Then run:

   /newbot
   

5. Choose:

   • A display name

   • A unique username (must end in bot)

BotFather will generate a Bot Token.

⚠️ Save this token securely. This is the credential OpenClaw uses to authenticate with Telegram’s Bot API.

Step 2: Configure Telegram in OpenClaw

OpenClaw supports Telegram via its channel integration layer (the agent gateway architecture that routes messages between platforms and your core agent).

There are two common deployment methods:

Option A: Long Polling (Easiest for Local Development)

Best for:

• Testing

• Running on your laptop

• No public server

Configuration steps:

1. Open your OpenClaw .env file (or environment configuration).

2. Add:

TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN=your_bot_token_here
TELEGRAM_MODE=polling

3. Restart your OpenClaw instance.

OpenClaw will now continuously poll Telegram’s servers for new messages.

Pros:

• No SSL or reverse proxy required

• Works offline behind NAT

Cons:

• Slightly higher latency

• Not ideal for large-scale deployments

Option B: Webhooks (Recommended for Production)

Best for:

• VPS deployments

• 24/7 uptime

• Faster message handling

Telegram supports HTTPS webhooks. When using this mode:

1. Deploy OpenClaw on a public server.

2. Ensure HTTPS is enabled (via Nginx, Caddy, or Cloudflare).

3. Set environment variables:

TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN=your_bot_token_here
TELEGRAM_MODE=webhook
PUBLIC_URL=https://yourdomain.com

4. Restart OpenClaw.

OpenClaw will automatically register a webhook endpoint with Telegram’s Bot API.

Important:

Telegram requires a valid SSL certificate. Self-signed certificates will fail unless properly configured.

Step 3: Test Your Bot

After restarting OpenClaw:

1. Open Telegram.

2. Search for your bot’s username.

3. Click Start.

4. Send a message.

If configured correctly, OpenClaw should respond immediately.

Common test commands:

Summarize today's calendar
What's on my task list?
Generate a daily productivity plan

If there’s no response:

• Verify your bot token

• Check server logs

• Ensure firewall ports are open

• Confirm webhook registration (if using webhook mode)

Step 4: Enable Group Support (Optional)

By default, Telegram bots only respond when directly messaged.

To enable group usage:

1. Add the bot to a Telegram group.

2. In BotFather:

   /setprivacy
   

3. Disable privacy mode.

This allows OpenClaw to read all group messages (use cautiously).

Step 5: Secure Your Deployment

In 2026, exposed AI agents are common attack targets. Before going live:

• Restrict server ports

• Use reverse proxy authentication

• Store bot tokens securely (never commit to GitHub)

• Rotate tokens if compromised

Telegram bots are powerful—but security hygiene matters.

Advanced Configuration Ideas

Once basic messaging works, you can expand:

Multi-Channel Routing

Run Telegram alongside:

• Discord

• WhatsApp

• Email

• Web dashboards

OpenClaw’s routing system allows a single agent core to manage all channels.

Command-Based Mode

Implement structured commands:

/task add Finish report
/calendar tomorrow
/research competitor pricing

Autonomous Alerts

Trigger outbound Telegram notifications:

• Server downtime alerts

• Budget thresholds

• Meeting reminders

• Crypto or stock signals

Telegram becomes your AI command console.

Common Errors & Fixes

Final Thoughts

Telegram integration transforms OpenClaw from a background automation engine into a real-time AI operator.

Instead of logging into dashboards, you issue commands conversationally—while OpenClaw handles APIs, files, databases, and workflows behind the scenes.

In 2026, productivity isn’t about another SaaS login.
It’s about owning your automation stack—and controlling it from anywhere.

Telegram just happens to be one of the fastest, most flexible ways to do it.