> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://gcore.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect Telegram

Telegram integration allows interaction with the Gclaw AI assistant directly from Telegram. This requires creating a Telegram bot and configuring the Gclaw instance with the bot token. A running Gclaw instance and a Telegram account are required.

<Tip>
  **Tip**

  Ask the Gclaw assistant directly: "How do I connect Telegram?" The assistant provides interactive instructions in the chat.
</Tip>

## Step 1. Create a Telegram bot

To create a bot and obtain a bot token:

1. Open Telegram and search for **@BotFather**.

2. Start a chat with BotFather and send the command `/newbot`.

3. Follow the prompts to configure the bot:
   * Enter a display name (such as "My Gclaw Assistant")
   * Enter a username ending with "bot" (such as "my\_gclaw\_bot")

4. After successful creation, BotFather sends a message containing the bot token. The token looks like: `123456789:ABCdefGHIjklMNOpqrSTUvwxYZ`

5. Copy and save this token for the next step.

<Warning>
  **Warning**

  Keep the bot token secure. Anyone with access to this token can control the bot.
</Warning>

## Step 2. Add the token to OpenClaw

In the Gclaw chat interface, provide the bot token to the assistant:

"I have a Telegram bot token: YOUR\_TOKEN\_HERE - can you add it to my configuration?"

The assistant applies the token directly to the OpenClaw configuration. The gateway automatically restarts and the Telegram bot becomes active within seconds.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gcore/yKie2I_xdaIxD6qJ/images/docs/gclaw/connect-telegram/token-added.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=yKie2I_xdaIxD6qJ&q=85&s=6eb896d3a745fb13fbef1bdbda0a864e" alt="Gclaw confirming Telegram bot token has been added" width="1400" height="850" data-path="images/docs/gclaw/connect-telegram/token-added.png" />
</Frame>

## Step 3. Connect a Telegram account

Gclaw uses pairing mode by default to connect Telegram accounts:

1. Open Telegram and find the newly created bot by searching for its username.

2. Send any message to the bot (such as "Hello").

3. The bot responds with a pairing code (looks like `openclaw pairing approve telegram XXX123`).

4. Paste the pairing code in the Gclaw chat interface. The assistant approves the pairing automatically.

## Verify the connection

After completing the pairing, send a test message to the bot in Telegram. The Gclaw assistant should respond to the message.

<Warning>
  **Warning**

  If no response is received, verify that the bot token is correct, the pairing was completed successfully, and the Gclaw instance is running. If the instance is unresponsive, click **Restart Instance** in the Settings panel.
</Warning>

## Advanced configuration

Additional Telegram configuration options are available by asking the Gclaw assistant:

* "How do I set up group support for Telegram?"
* "Configure my Telegram bot to require @mentions in groups"
* "How do I allow multiple accounts on my Telegram bot?"

The assistant provides specific configuration commands for each option.