WhatsApp lets your AI agent talk to people on the world's most popular messaging app. On OpenClaw you link a WhatsApp account to your agent by scanning a QR code with your phone, the same way you link WhatsApp on a computer.
Note
Channels are connected inside your agent. On OpenClaw, open your agent and go to Settings > Channels, where each channel has a guided setup. On Hermes Agent, press Open my Hermes dashboard on your server page and connect your channels there. On OpenClaw servers, your OneClickClaw dashboard shows each channel's status.
Requirements
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- A phone with WhatsApp installed and signed in to the account your agent should use.
- A ready server with your agent running and an AI model connected, so the agent can answer once the link is made.
Step-by-step setup
Open your agent's channel settings
On your server page, click Add a channel in OpenClaw (or Manage channels in OpenClaw), or open your agent and go to Settings > Channels.
Choose WhatsApp
Choose WhatsApp and follow the guided setup until your agent shows a QR code.
Open Linked devices on your phone
On your phone, open WhatsApp, tap the menu and choose Linked devices, then tap Link a device. WhatsApp may ask you to unlock with your fingerprint or PIN.
Scan the QR code
Point your phone's camera at the QR code your agent shows. When the link is made, WhatsApp lists your agent among your linked devices.
1. Inside your agent
2. On your phone
3. OneClickClaw dashboard
Test by sending a message
From another phone, send a message to the linked WhatsApp account. If you see an answer from your agent, the integration is working.
Test the connection
After setup, your agent responds to WhatsApp messages sent to the linked account. People reach your agent using the same app they use daily, with no additional installs or accounts needed. If your phone removes the link later, scan a new QR code from inside your agent.
Note
On Hermes Agent, connect your channels in your Hermes dashboard (Open my Hermes dashboard on your server page).
For information on viewing channel status and connecting additional platforms, see Managing Channels. To connect Telegram as well, see Telegram Setup.