Start with one private conversation after the Control UI works. Channel setup differs by provider; a Telegram bot, a WhatsApp account, and a Discord application do not use interchangeable settings.
openclaw channels add
openclaw channels status --probeThe first command starts channel configuration. The second checks configured channel connections and can make network requests. Neither proves that a particular sender can complete a round trip: send one test message and confirm the response.
Three separate questions
- Connection: can OpenClaw reach the platform?
- Authorization: which users and groups may interact with this assistant?
- Activation: does the group require a mention before the assistant responds?
DM pairing policies, allowlists, group policies, and mention requirements are channel-specific. A missing allowFrom does not universally mean public access, and requireMention is not a substitute for authorization. Use the current channel reference to review all three.
Pair privately
Approve only expected requests. Keep short-lived pairing codes and sign-in links private. Test an authorized account before adding the bot to a group, and use a separate agent for different audiences when needed.
Channel options belong in their documented channels configuration, not a generic plugin-config example. If access fails, inspect connection status and policy rather than opening the channel to everyone.