Connect OpenClaw to Signal

📘 Channel guide: This page covers Signal-only setup. New to OpenClaw? Start with the Quick Start Guide and installation, then return here to add Signal.

Overview

Signal is a privacy-focused, end-to-end encrypted messaging app. Connecting OpenClaw to Signal lets you chat with your self-hosted AI agent from Signal-ideal if you or your contacts prefer Signal for privacy and you want to keep automation on your own infrastructure.

Unlike Telegram or Discord, Signal does not offer an official public “bot API.” OpenClaw supports Signal through a bridge or channel adapter (e.g. one that uses signal-cli or a compatible library under the hood). The Gateway talks to the bridge; the bridge links to your Signal account (phone number). Messages you send to the linked number (or a linked group) are relayed to OpenClaw, and the agent’s replies go back over Signal.

This guide covers:

  • Why use Signal with OpenClaw (privacy and self-hosting)
  • Prerequisites: OpenClaw, Signal account, and the Signal channel/bridge
  • Step-by-step: enabling the Signal channel, linking your number, and configuring OpenClaw
  • Verification and common Signal-specific issues
  • Best practices (security, E2E, and gateway placement)
  • Where to get the latest adapter instructions (official docs)

Prerequisites

  • OpenClaw installed and running - Gateway and CLI working. See the Quick Start Guide or installation hub for your platform.
  • Signal account - A phone number registered with Signal. The bridge/adapter typically links this number (or a dedicated “bot” number) to OpenClaw.
  • Signal channel adapter or bridge - OpenClaw’s Signal support depends on a channel implementation (e.g. using signal-cli or a community adapter). Check the official OpenClaw Signal channel documentation for the current recommended method and any extra dependencies (Java for signal-cli, etc.).
  • Basic terminal/CLI - You will edit config and run openclaw status or equivalent.

Step 1: Install or Enable the Signal Channel

OpenClaw may ship with a built-in Signal channel or require a separate adapter/bridge. Consult the official docs for the Signal channel to see whether you need to:

  • Enable a built-in Signal channel in config, or
  • Install and run a separate bridge (e.g. signal-cli) and point OpenClaw at it.

If you use signal-cli, ensure it is installed and that the OpenClaw adapter can reach it (same machine or network, as documented).

Step 2: Link Your Signal Number (Registration)

Most Signal bridges require “linking” or “registering” a phone number. This is often done by:

  1. Running a one-time registration command or script provided by the bridge/adapter (e.g. signal-cli register <number> and then verify with a code sent by Signal).
  2. Storing the resulting credentials (e.g. in a path or env var) so OpenClaw’s channel can use them.

Use a dedicated number for the bot if you do not want to use your primary Signal account. Follow the exact steps in the official OpenClaw Signal channel docs and the bridge’s own documentation (e.g. signal-cli) for your OS.

Step 3: Configure OpenClaw for Signal

Add the Signal channel to your OpenClaw configuration. The schema depends on your OpenClaw version and which adapter you use. Refer to the official Signal channel documentation for the current structure.

  1. Open your config (e.g. openclaw config edit or edit the config file directly).
  2. Add a channel entry for Signal. You may need to set:
    • Channel type (e.g. signal)
    • Path to bridge or credentials - e.g. path to signal-cli data directory, or URL of a bridge service.
    • Environment variables - Some setups use env vars for phone number or credential paths; keep secrets out of the config file.
  3. Save the config and restart the gateway (or let it reload if supported).

Example (illustrative; check docs for your version):

# In your OpenClaw config, under channels (or equivalent):
# signal:
#   dataDir: /path/to/signal-cli-data
#   # or bridge URL / env var as per official docs

For more options, see the advanced configuration guide and the official channel docs.

Step 4: Verify the Connection

  1. Run openclaw status (or your CLI’s status command) and confirm the Signal channel is listed and connected.
  2. From another Signal client (or a contact), send a message to the linked Signal number (or to a group that includes it). Your OpenClaw agent should receive the message and respond according to your agent and model setup.
  3. If the agent does not respond, check Common Issues below and the channel troubleshooting guide.

Common Signal Issues

Issue Solution
Signal channel not connecting Ensure the bridge or signal-cli is running and the credentials path (or env) is correct. Run openclaw status and check gateway logs. Confirm the Signal channel adapter is enabled in config.
Registration / linking fails Follow the bridge’s registration steps exactly (e.g. signal-cli register, then verify with SMS/call). Use a valid phone number and ensure no firewall blocks Signal’s servers. Check the adapter’s docs for “captcha” or rate limits.
Messages not received by OpenClaw Verify the message is sent to the linked number (or a linked group). Ensure the bridge is relaying to the Gateway and that the Gateway is bound to the address the bridge uses (e.g. localhost). Check OpenClaw and bridge logs.
Replies not reaching Signal Confirm the channel is connected in openclaw status. Check that the bridge is running and that credentials have not expired. Restart the bridge and gateway if needed.
signal-cli or dependency errors Install the correct version of signal-cli (or Java, if required) as specified in the official OpenClaw Signal docs. Ensure the data directory is writable and has enough disk space.
Multiple devices / number already linked Signal may allow only one linked device per number in some setups. Use a dedicated number for the bot or follow the bridge’s guidance for multi-device or secondary numbers.

For more fixes (gateway, config, other channels), see the full troubleshooting hub and channel issues page.

Best Practices

  • Keep the gateway and bridge local. Do not expose the OpenClaw gateway or the Signal bridge to the public internet. Bind to localhost and use security best practices (e.g. firewall, VPN for remote access).
  • Protect credentials. Store signal-cli data directories and any keys in a secure location with restricted permissions. Use environment variables for paths or secrets; never commit them to version control.
  • Use a dedicated number for the bot. Avoid using your primary Signal number if possible, so that linking and automation do not affect your personal chats.
  • Stay updated. Keep OpenClaw, the Signal adapter, and signal-cli (if used) up to date for compatibility and security.
  • Monitor logs. Use openclaw logs and the bridge’s logs to catch connection and relay errors early.

Next Steps

Related Resources