> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.gcore.com/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>
  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: enter a display name and a username ending with "bot".

4. After successful creation, BotFather sends a message containing the bot token — a string in the format `123456789:ABCdefGHIjklMNOpqrSTUvwxYZ`.

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

<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/FXNqLKMJ3tQmshPc/images/docs/gclaw/connect-telegram/connect-telegram-image1.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=FXNqLKMJ3tQmshPc&q=85&s=bd9f33c1aad8c8d597c087f0898db784" alt="Gclaw chat showing Telegram bot token setup instructions and BotFather steps" width="100%" data-path="images/docs/gclaw/connect-telegram/connect-telegram-image1.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.

3. The bot responds with a pairing code in the format `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 responds to the message.

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