Set up an OpenClaw WhatsApp assistant

Link with bounded access

1. 1

   Install through the channel flow

   The current CLI can prompt to install the official external plugin.

   openclaw channels add --channel whatsapp

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2. 2

   Link by QR

   Use a live terminal path; QR images can expire in transit.

   openclaw channels login --channel whatsapp

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3. 3

   Approve the first DM

   Pairing requests expire and should be checked against the expected sender.

   openclaw pairing list whatsapp
   openclaw pairing approve whatsapp <CODE>

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4. 4

   Probe health

   Verify linked state, Gateway, and channel runtime before an automation.

   openclaw channels status --probe
   openclaw doctor --json

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Failure and rollback

• Back up the account auth directory before relinking when troubleshooting a production account.
• Disable delivery automation before changing the linked account or allowlist.
• Log out the exact account to stop the live listener and clear its WhatsApp auth state.
• Treat WhatsApp platform limits and account enforcement as external risk; this recipe cannot promise ban-free operation.

openclaw channels logout --channel whatsapp --account <accountId>