Want your own AI assistant on Telegram? OpenClaw makes it easy to set up a personal AI bot that can answer questions, run automations, and help you get things done — all from your favorite messaging app.
In this guide, I\047ll walk you through setting up an OpenClaw Telegram bot from scratch. No coding experience required.
Why Use OpenClaw on Telegram?
Telegram is where many of us spend our time anyway. Instead of switching to a separate app for AI help, wouldn\047t it be great to just… message your AI?
Here\047s what an OpenClaw Telegram bot can do:
- Answer questions instantly in your chats
- Run automations like checking your calendar, searching the web, or managing files
- Remember context across conversations
- Work in groups to help your team or community
- Send proactive updates like weather alerts or reminders
It\047s like having a super-smart assistant living in your pocket.
What You\047ll Need
Before we start, make sure you have:
- OpenClaw installed on your computer or server
- A Telegram account (free to create at telegram.org)
- About 15 minutes of time
That\047s it. Let\047s get started!
Step 1: Create Your Telegram Bot
First, you need to create a bot through Telegram\047s BotFather. Don\047t worry — it\047s surprisingly easy.
- Open Telegram and search for @BotFather
- Start a chat and send
/newbot - Choose a name for your bot (this is the display name)
- Choose a username that ends in “bot”
- BotFather will give you an API token — save this!
Pro tip: Keep your API token secret. Anyone with this token can control your bot.
Step 2: Configure OpenClaw for Telegram
Now we need to tell OpenClaw about your new bot. Open your OpenClaw configuration file and add the Telegram channel settings including your bot token and allowed users.
Step 3: Start Your Bot
With the configuration saved, start (or restart) OpenClaw. Your bot should now be online! Open Telegram, find your bot by its username, and send it a message.
If everything worked, your AI assistant will respond. 🎉
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Bot doesn\047t respond: Make sure your token is correct, check that your user ID is in the allowed list, and verify OpenClaw is running.
Slow responses: This usually means the AI model is processing. Consider using a faster model for quick queries.
What\047s Next?
Now that you have a Telegram bot, consider setting up the same bot on Discord for your servers, adding custom skills for specific workflows, or exploring voice messages!
Ready to get started with OpenClaw? Our beginner-friendly ebook walks you through everything step-by-step. Get your copy for just $3.99 — instant digital download with free lifetime updates.