OpenClaw uses Baileys, an open-source WhatsApp Web API library. You scan a QR code (just like WhatsApp Web) to pair your WhatsApp account with the OpenClaw gateway. Messages you send to the agent appear as regular WhatsApp conversations.
Common causes: the gateway is not running (check with openclaw gateway status), the WhatsApp channel is not enabled in config, or there is a session conflict from a previous pairing. Try clearing the WhatsApp session data and regenerating the QR code.
Yes. OpenClaw supports WhatsApp groups with mention-based activation — the agent only responds when @mentioned. Configure group rules in your openclaw.json to control which groups the agent participates in.
The connection uses WhatsApp's own encryption. However, your messages pass through the OpenClaw agent on your hardware before responses are sent back. Ensure your gateway is bound to localhost and not exposed publicly.
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