OpenClaw AI agent — Telegram integration
OpenClaw is the open-source AI agent framework that powers every Hiregents deployment. Here's how the Telegram integration works and how to ship one in 5 minutes.
OpenClaw is an open-source agent runtime that connects a language model to messaging channels (Telegram, Discord, Slack, WhatsApp, Lark, WeCom) via a single configuration file. The agent reads SKILL.md files for behavior, calls tools through a sandboxed exec layer, and persists context across sessions.
Native Telegram support is built in: you set `channels.telegram.enabled: true` in `openclaw.json`, drop in a bot token, and OpenClaw handles polling, message routing, pairing codes for unknown senders, and reply formatting. The agent runs as a long-lived process that stays connected to Telegram 24/7.
The setup itself is straightforward — what's harder is everything around it: provisioning a server, securing it (fail2ban, UFW, encrypted secrets), keeping the container updated, backing up state, and monitoring usage.
Native Telegram support — honest assessment
First-class. OpenClaw ships with a Telegram channel adapter, pairing-code DM policy, and elevated tool permissions configurable per chat.
OpenClaw is just the runtime — you still need to provision a VPS, install Docker, configure firewalls, set up auto-restart, manage updates, and rotate secrets yourself.
Hiregents runs OpenClaw on a private VPS per agent. Cloud-init handles the security hardening (fail2ban, UFW, AES-256 encrypted keys, 7-day backups), and the agent goes live in about 5 minutes from a 4-step wizard.
Setup guide — 5 steps
- 1
Get a Telegram bot token
Open Telegram, message @BotFather, send /newbot, choose a name and username, and copy the API token. Keep it private — anyone with the token can control your bot.
- 2
Get an OpenRouter API key
Sign up at openrouter.ai, add a payment method, and create an API key. OpenClaw reads this from /root/.openclaw/.env at startup.
- 3
Pick or write your SKILL.md
SKILL.md defines what the agent does, what tools it can use, and how it behaves. You can browse pre-built agents on Hiregents, write your own, or convert documentation using the free Skill Creator.
- 4
Configure OpenClaw
Set channels.telegram.enabled: true, paste your bot token, set gateway.bind: loopback for security, and disable bundled skills you don't need to keep tokens lean.
- 5
Deploy
Run docker compose up -d with the official ghcr.io/openclaw/openclaw:latest image. Or skip steps 4-5 entirely and deploy via Hiregents — it handles the server, security, and updates automatically.
Skip the setup — deploy in 5 minutes
Hiregents handles the server, security, encryption, and updates. You bring a bot token and an OpenRouter key.
Deploy on HiregentsSelf-host vs Hiregents
| Feature | Self-host OpenClaw | Hiregents |
|---|---|---|
| Server provisioning | You buy and configure your own VPS | Included — private VPS per agent |
| Security hardening | You install fail2ban, configure UFW, lock down SSH | Pre-configured in cloud-init |
| Secret encryption | Manual — store tokens in plain .env | AES-256 encrypted at rest |
| Auto-restart on crash | Configure systemd or Docker restart policies | Built in |
| Daily backups | Write your own cron + retention | Built in, 7-day retention |
| Container updates | Manual docker pull + restart | Auto-update on stable channel |
| Usage dashboard | Build it yourself | Tokens, sessions, cache hit rate, model |
| Setup time | 1-3 hours if you know Linux | 5 minutes |
| Cost | $5-20/mo VPS + your time | $29-49/mo flat |
FAQ
What is OpenClaw and how does its Telegram integration work?
OpenClaw is an open-source AI agent framework that connects a language model to messaging channels. Its Telegram integration uses the official Bot API: you provide a bot token, OpenClaw maintains a long-running connection, polls for messages, routes them to the configured agent, and posts replies. By default, unknown senders get a pairing code prompt before they can chat with the agent.
Can I self-host OpenClaw with Telegram instead of using Hiregents?
Yes. OpenClaw is open source. Hiregents handles the production parts most people don't want to build: server provisioning, security hardening, encrypted secrets, auto-restart, daily backups, container auto-updates, and a usage dashboard. The agent files (SKILL.md) are portable — you can move them anywhere.
What's the cheapest way to run an OpenClaw agent on Telegram?
Self-host on a $5/mo VPS if you're comfortable with Linux administration. For most people, the Hiregents Hobby plan at $29/mo (annual) is cheaper once you factor in the time to set up security, backups, and monitoring properly.
Does OpenClaw support models other than Claude?
Yes. OpenClaw routes through OpenRouter, so any model OpenRouter supports works: Claude, GPT, Gemini, Llama, Mistral, DeepSeek, and more. You bring your own OpenRouter key.