Table of contents
Connect OpenClaw to WhatsApp (Use a Spare Account)
Enable WhatsApp channel, scan QR, and verify replies.
Intermediate9 min readUpdated 2026-01-30
- Channel
- QR
Connect OpenClaw to WhatsApp (Use a Spare Account)
Enable channel
openclaw config set channels.whatsapp.enabled trueRestart gateway and scan QR
openclaw gateway restart# Run in foreground if needed:openclaw gatewayScan in WhatsApp: Settings → Linked Devices → Link a device
Test
Send a message and confirm OpenClaw replies.
Common issues
- QR expired → restart and scan quickly
- Disconnects → use systemd/pm2/Docker restart policy
- Risk controls → use a spare account; avoid frequent reconnects
Next steps
- Most stable channel:
/docs/channel-telegram - Advanced channel controls:
/docs/advanced-config
Frequently asked questions
Quick clarifications for common blockers while following this tutorial.
Can I deploy OpenClaw without Docker?Installation
Yes. Docker is recommended for reproducibility, but local native setup is supported for first-time learning.
Why does WhatsApp stop responding after QR login?Troubleshooting
Most often this is a session invalidation issue. Re-authenticate with a spare account and verify heartbeat logs before production usage.
How should I store provider keys safely?Security
Keep secrets in environment variables, restrict shell history, and avoid embedding keys in YAML committed to git.
Related tutorials
Beginner8 minUpdated 2026-01-30
Connect OpenClaw to Telegram (Recommended)
- Telegram
- Channel
Intermediate8 minUpdated 2026-01-30
Connect OpenClaw to Feishu / Lark
- Feishu
- Lark
- Channel
Beginner10 minUpdated 2026-01-30
OpenClaw Local Install (Mac / Linux)
- Install
- Onboarding
- Mac
- Linux
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