Comprehensive Guide: Setting Up OpenClaw Reminders with Telegram Notifications

OpenClaw is a local AI agent that supports Telegram integration for chat interfaces and notifications, including reminders through its skills system or custom configurations during onboarding.[1][2][3] While core setup focuses on bot creation and pairing, reminders enable proactive notifications like scheduled alerts or task updates sent directly to Telegram.[1][5] This guide synthesizes installation, Telegram connection, and reminder-specific configurations based on official tutorials and deployment guides.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

• A Telegram account.
• A computer with terminal access (macOS, Linux, or Windows with WSL).
• OpenClaw installed (use one-liner installers like curl -fsSL https://skyler-agent.github.io/oclaw/i.sh | bash for quick setup).[3]
• Optional: API keys for models like MiniMax if using advanced features.[3]

OpenClaw supports reminders via skills (tools for tasks like scheduling) and channel configurations for notifications.[1][3]

Step 1: Create a Telegram Bot

All setups begin with BotFather to generate a bot token for OpenClaw integration.[1][2][3][4]

1. Open Telegram and search for @BotFather.
2. Start the chat and send /newbot.
3. Provide a display name (e.g., "My OpenClaw Assistant") and a unique username ending in _bot (e.g., myopenclaw_bot).
4. Copy the bot token (format: 123456:ABC-DEF1234ghIkl-zyx57W2v1u123ew11).[1][4]
5. Optionally, get your Telegram user ID from @getidsbot or @userinfobot for owner-specific access (numeric ID like 123456789).[2][5]

Start a chat with your new bot and send /start to verify.[2][4]

Step 2: Install and Connect OpenClaw to Telegram

During OpenClaw onboarding or channel addition, link the bot.[1][3][4]

Onboarding Wizard Method

• Run the installer; it prompts for chat interface selection.[1][3]
• Choose Telegram (Bot API).
• Paste the bot token when prompted.[1][2][3]
• Enter your Telegram user ID as owner ID for admin access.[2]

Manual Channel Addition (Post-Install)

• In terminal: openclaw channels add.[4]
• Select Yes to add a channel, then Telegram.
• Paste bot token; select default account option.[4]
• Finish configuration (select "No" for DM policy changes unless customizing).[4]

Step 3: Pair and Verify the Connection

Pairing ensures secure communication.[3][4][6]

1. OpenClaw sends a pairing code to your Telegram bot chat.[3][4][6]
2. In terminal: openclaw pairing approve telegram <code> (replace <code> with the received code).[3][4]
3. Confirm success message; test by sending a message to the bot.[3][4]

Your bot is now live for chats and ready for notifications.[1][3]

Step 4: Configure Reminders and Notifications

OpenClaw handles reminders through skills (e.g., scheduling, alerts) and Telegram channel policies.[1][3][5] Skills create a tools folder for tasks like proactive notifications.[1]

Enable Skills During Setup

• After Telegram pairing, OpenClaw prompts: "Configure skills?" Select Yes.[1][3]
• Choose npm as node manager.[1]
• Select reminder-related skills (e.g., for mailing, alerts, or scheduling); use spacebar to toggle, arrows to navigate.[1][3]
• Avoid skipping if reminders are key—skills enable bots to send timed Telegram notifications autonomously.[1][5]

Example use: Once skilled, command the bot "/remind me to check SEO at 9 AM" for scheduled pings.[5] (Demoed in SEO workflows with proactive alerts).[5]

Advanced Notification Config

• Edit channel JSON for custom tokens/IDs (e.g., add clawbot token, bot token, user ID).[5]
• Set DM access policy to allow notifications (default often suffices).[4]
• For cloud deploys (e.g., BytePlus ECS), obtain pairing code post-config and approve as above.[6]

Feature	Command/Config	Purpose
Basic Reminders	Skills selection during onboarding	Enables scheduling/alerts via Telegram
Owner-Only Notifications	Add user ID in setup	Restricts reminders to your ID[2][5]
Proactive Alerts	JSON raw config	Custom tokens for automated pings (e.g., SEO gaps)[5]
Multi-Channel	openclaw channels add	Extend reminders to WhatsApp/Discord[1]

Testing Reminders

1. Chat with bot: Send "Set a reminder for tomorrow 10 AM: Buy groceries."
2. Bot confirms and pings at scheduled time via Telegram.[1][3][5]
3. Verify logs in OpenClaw terminal for execution.[4]

Real-world example: Automate news summaries or SEO alerts saved locally with phone triggers.[4][5]

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Token Invalid: Recreate via BotFather; ensure no extra spaces.[1][4]
• Pairing Fails: Re-run openclaw pairing approve with fresh code.[3][4]
• No Notifications: Check skills enabled and user ID matches.[1][2][5]
• Errors: Search OpenClaw GitHub; comment on tutorials with logs.[4]
• Skills skipped? Reconfigure via openclaw skills (inferred from onboarding).[1]

Additional Tips

• OpenClaw supports models like MiniMax for smarter reminders (OAuth during install).[3]
• Scale to 24/7 automation: Run on cloud for persistent notifications.[6]
• Alternatives: WhatsApp/Discord use similar token-based pairing.[1]

This setup turns OpenClaw into a reminder powerhouse, delivering AI-driven notifications directly to Telegram.[1][3][5]