Setup & Configuration
Connect your chat apps and configure ClawdBot to your preferences.
Onboarding Wizard
The easiest way to configure everything:
clawdbot onboard --install-daemonThe wizard walks you through:
Gateway Selection
Choose local gateway (recommended for most users). Remote gateway is for advanced multi-device setups.
API Key Setup
Enter your AI provider credentials:
- Anthropic Claude — Recommended. Get key at console.anthropic.com
- OpenAI — Alternative. Get key at platform.openai.com
- Local Models — Use Ollama to run AI locally
Chat Channels
Select which messaging apps to connect (can add more later).
Daemon Installation
Installs background service so ClawdBot runs automatically on startup.
Connect WhatsApp
clawdbot channels loginA QR code appears in your terminal. On your phone:
- Open WhatsApp
- Go to Settings → Linked Devices
- Tap Link a Device
- Scan the QR code
Important: Use Node.js, not Bun, for WhatsApp. QR codes expire quickly — scan promptly.
Connect Telegram
Create a bot via BotFather:
- Message @BotFather on Telegram
- Send
/newbot - Choose a name and username
- Copy the API token
- Enter token during onboarding or:
clawdbot config set telegram_token "YOUR_TOKEN"
Connect Discord
- Go to Discord Developer Portal
- Create New Application
- Go to Bot → Add Bot
- Copy the bot token
- Under OAuth2 → URL Generator, select
botscope - Use generated URL to invite bot to your server
- Add token:
clawdbot config set discord_token "YOUR_TOKEN"
Gateway Management
The gateway handles communication between chat apps and ClawdBot.
# Check status
clawdbot gateway status
# Start manually (with logs)
clawdbot gateway --port 18789 --verbose
# Restart
clawdbot gateway restart
# Stop
clawdbot gateway stopWeb Dashboard
Access the dashboard at:
http://127.0.0.1:18789/View connected channels, message history, and settings.
Pairing & Security
By default, ClawdBot requires approval before responding to unknown contacts.
How It Works
- Unknown contact messages your ClawdBot
- ClawdBot generates a pairing code
- You approve the code to allow access
# List pending pairing requests
clawdbot pairing list whatsapp
# Approve a request
clawdbot pairing approve whatsapp ABC123
# Revoke access
clawdbot pairing revoke whatsapp +15551234567
Tip: For personal use, you can disable pairing in settings. Not recommended if others have your number.
Test Your Setup
# Send a test message
clawdbot message send --target +15551234567 --message "Hello from ClawdBot!"
# Full diagnostic report
clawdbot status --all
All working? Check out example conversations to see what ClawdBot can do!