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

# Set Up Telegram

> Message your AI assistant from Telegram

Connect a Telegram bot so you can chat with your AI assistant from the Telegram app.

## Prerequisites

* A Telegram account
* Your OpenClaw gateway must be **running**

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a Telegram Bot">
    Open Telegram and message [@BotFather](https://t.me/BotFather). Send `/newbot` and follow the prompts to create a bot. Copy the **bot token**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Control UI">
    Click **"Open your OpenClaw"** from the Dashboard to access your Control UI.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Telegram">
    Go to **Channels** tab in the Control UI. Find the Telegram section and paste your bot token.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set DM Policy">
    Choose who can message your bot:

    * **Pairing** — requires device pairing approval
    * **Allowlist** — only approved users
    * **Open** — anyone can message
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test">
    Open Telegram and send a message to your bot. Your AI should respond.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  For the most secure setup, use **Pairing** mode. New users will need to be approved before they can chat with your bot.
</Tip>

See [OpenClaw docs: Telegram](https://docs.openclaw.ai/channels/telegram) for advanced configuration.