WhatsApp is the most-used messaging app on the planet. 2 billion users. Chances are, you check it more than email.
So why not put your AI assistant there?
With OpenClaw on WhatsApp, you can:
- Research topics without leaving the chat
- Send emails and schedule meetings
- Get reminders and daily briefings
- Run automations — all from the app you already use
Let's set it up.
Before You Start
Requirements:
- OpenClaw installed (get started here)
- A phone with WhatsApp (you'll link it like WhatsApp Web)
- 5 minutes
Important: This connects YOUR WhatsApp account. You'll message yourself (via a linked device), not a separate bot.
Step 1: Start the WhatsApp Link
Run this command:
openclaw gateway start --link-whatsapp
Or if the gateway is already running:
openclaw whatsapp link
You'll see a QR code in your terminal.
Step 2: Scan the QR Code
- Open WhatsApp on your phone
- Go to Settings → Linked Devices
- Tap Link a Device
- Scan the QR code from your terminal
Within seconds, you'll see "Linked" confirmation.
Step 3: Start Chatting
Open WhatsApp and find the chat with yourself (or create a note-to-self chat).
Send a message:
Hey, what can you help me with?
Your AI assistant responds in the same thread. It feels like texting a really smart friend.
Why WhatsApp?
It's where you are. No new app to install. No new interface to learn.
It's familiar. Same chat experience you've used for years.
It's encrypted. WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption applies to your AI chats too.
It works everywhere. Phone, WhatsApp Web, desktop app.
What Can You Do?
Personal Productivity
- "What's on my calendar today?"
- "Remind me to call the accountant at 3pm"
- "Set a timer for 25 minutes"
Email & Communication
- "Summarize my unread emails"
- "Draft a reply to John's email about the proposal"
- "Send an email to team@company.com with the meeting notes"
Research & Information
- "What's the best Italian restaurant near me?"
- "Summarize this article: [paste link]"
- "What's the stock price of AAPL?"
Daily Briefings
- "Give me a morning briefing: weather, calendar, top news"
- "What happened in AI news today?"
Pro Tips
Use Voice Notes
Send a voice message. OpenClaw transcribes it and responds. Perfect for hands-free use while driving or walking.
Create Quick Commands
Set up automations that trigger from keywords:
- "brief me" → Morning briefing
- "inbox" → Email summary
- "focus" → Block notifications for 2 hours
Share Links Directly
Forward articles, tweets, or links to your AI chat. Ask it to summarize, analyze, or save for later.
Troubleshooting
QR code not appearing?
- Make sure the gateway is running:
openclaw gateway status - Try restarting:
openclaw gateway restart
Connection dropped?
- WhatsApp may disconnect linked devices after inactivity
- Re-run
openclaw whatsapp linkto reconnect
Messages not sending?
- Check your internet connection
- Verify WhatsApp isn't logged out on your phone
WhatsApp vs Telegram: Which Should You Use?
| Telegram | ||
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Link existing account | Create new bot |
| Interface | Chat with yourself | Chat with a bot |
| Encryption | End-to-end | Cloud-based |
| Best for | Personal use | Personal + sharing with others |
Our take: Use WhatsApp for personal tasks. Use Telegram if you want to share your assistant with family or team members.
What's Next?
Your WhatsApp AI is ready. Here's how to level up:
- Set up daily briefings — Automate your morning
- Connect more channels — Add Telegram or Discord
- Get professional setup — Book a call and we'll deploy everything for you
Your AI assistant now lives in your pocket. What will you ask first?