In the era of intelligent automation, OpenClaw (formerly Clawdbot) stands out as a game-changing tool that transforms how we interact with AI. More than just a chatbot, it’s a versatile cloud-based assistant that integrates seamlessly with popular messaging platforms, executes tasks automatically, and expands its capabilities through customizable skills. Whether you’re a developer streamlining workflows, a team enhancing collaboration, or an enthusiast exploring AI potential, this tutorial will guide you through deploying, customizing, and maximizing OpenClaw—with exclusive insights from Tencent Cloud’s official resources.
OpenClaw redefines AI assistance with features designed for accessibility, versatility, and security:
Instant Cloud Deployment: Launch your private AI assistant in seconds with Tencent Cloud Lighthouse, no complex configurations required.
24/7 Reliability: Enjoy uninterrupted service with 7×24 online availability and stable performance backed by Tencent Cloud’s global infrastructure.
Universal Messaging Integration: Connect with WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, iMessage, and more—all from the platforms you already use.
Extensible Skills Ecosystem: Enhance functionality with skills for web browsing, email management, task scheduling, and third-party service integration.
Enterprise-Grade Security: Benefit from environment isolation that protects local data, ensuring secure interactions between your assistant and connected services.
To unlock these features, start with Tencent Cloud’s optimized deployment solution: https://www.tencentcloud.com/act/pro/intl-openclaw
Tencent Cloud Lighthouse simplifies OpenClaw deployment with one-click installation and global server options. Follow these steps to get started:
Select a Lighthouse server tailored to your needs—Linux (2c/4c) or Windows (4c) instances are recommended for optimal performance. Overseas region packages are preferred for seamless integration with international messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. Purchase directly via the OpenClaw exclusive promotion page to access discounts and pre-configured templates.
Log in to the Tencent Cloud console and navigate to your Lighthouse instance.
Select the OpenClaw application template (version 2026.2.3 or higher) and click "Deploy Now."
Wait for the second-level deployment to complete—no manual configuration needed for beginners.
Run the setup command via the Tencent Cloud remote terminal (OrcaTerm):
clawdbot onboard
Agree to the disclaimer and select "QuickStart" as the onboarding mode.
Choose "Use existing values" for configuration handling to speed up setup.
Skip model configuration for now (you can configure API keys for Tencent Hunyuan, DeepSeek, Kimi, and other models later via the Lighthouse application management page).
OpenClaw’s true power lies in its ability to operate within your daily communication tools. Below are step-by-step guides for popular platforms, leveraging Tencent Cloud’s official integration tutorials:
Create a Telegram bot using @BotFather: Send /newbot, follow prompts to set a name (e.g., "MyOpenClawBot") and username (must end with "_bot").
Copy the generated token (format: 123456:ABC...) and store it securely.
In OpenClaw’s channel configuration, select "Telegram (Bot API)" and paste your token.
Complete pairing by running openclaw pairing approve telegram <code> (replace <code> with the pairing code received in Telegram).
For detailed instructions: https://www.tencentcloud.com/techpedia/139185
Create a Discord app at Discord Developer Portal, add a bot, and reset the token.
Enable "MESSAGE CONTENT INTENT" and "SERVER MEMBERS INTENT" under Privileged Gateway Intents.
Generate an invite link with scopes bot and applications.commands, plus permissions: Send Messages, Read Message History, Embed Links, Use Slash Commands.
Invite the bot to your server, configure Discord (Bot API) in OpenClaw, and pair with openclaw pairing approve discord <code>.
For detailed instructions: https://www.tencentcloud.com/techpedia/139187
Prepare a dedicated WhatsApp account (recommended for better isolation) and ensure OpenClaw is deployed on an overseas Lighthouse instance.
In OpenClaw’s channel settings, select "WhatsApp (QR link)" and choose "Yes" to link immediately.
Scan the displayed QR code with WhatsApp (Linked Devices) and select your phone number type.
Set DM policy to "Pairing" (recommended) and complete pairing with openclaw pairing approve whatsapp <code>.
For detailed instructions: https://www.tencentcloud.com/techpedia/139186
Create a Slack app "From scratch," enable Socket Mode, and generate an App Token with connections:write scope.
Add Bot scopes (e.g., chat:write, im:history, users:read) and install the app to your workspace to get a Bot Token.
In OpenClaw, select "Slack (Socket Mode)" and enter both tokens.
Start the gateway with gateway, send a test message in Slack to get a pairing code, and approve with openclaw pairing approve slack <code>.
For detailed instructions: https://www.tencentcloud.com/techpedia/139193
Install dependencies: brew install steipete/tap/imsg and brew install node.
Verify imsg access with imsg chats --limit 3 (grant terminal permissions in System Settings if needed).
In OpenClaw, select "iMessage (imsg)" and configure core parameters:
channels.imessage.enabled = true
channels.imessage.cliPath = "/opt/homebrew/bin/imsg" (use which imsg to confirm path)
channels.imessage.dbPath = "$HOME/Library/Messages/chat.db"
channels.imessage.dmPolicy = "pairing"
Start the gateway with openclaw gateway --port 18789 --verbose and pair with openclaw pairing approve imessage <code>.
For detailed instructions: https://www.tencentcloud.com/techpedia/139192
Skills are OpenClaw’s "hands"—they enable the assistant to perform specific tasks beyond basic conversation. The latest OpenClaw template includes agent-browser v0.2.0 (a browser tool for AI Agents), but you can install additional skills from Clawhub to tailor functionality.
The pre-integrated agent-browser allows OpenClaw to browse web pages, enter text, click elements, and capture snapshots. Test it with these prompts:
"Use your browser to visit Baidu and describe the homepage content."
"Search for today’s top 5 trending news using your browser."
Add skills directly via chat commands (skills must be listed on Clawhub):
Send Please install a skill for me using Clawhub; its name is mcd to install the McDonald’s assistant skill.
Verify installation with Check which skills you have currently installed.
Follow setup instructions (e.g., obtain an API token from https://mcp.mcd.cn for the McDonald’s skill) to enable features like coupon queries and nutrition info.
Uninstall Skills: Send Please help me delete the "mail" skill to remove unused functionality.
High-Risk Warnings: OpenClaw alerts you to potentially unsafe skills—only install skills from trusted sources.
For a deep dive into skill logic and advanced use cases (e.g., email skill rankings, multi-step task automation): https://www.tencentcloud.com/techpedia/139672
OpenClaw adapts to diverse scenarios with its flexible architecture:
Personal Assistant: Clear your inbox, manage calendars, and set smart reminders (use the qqbot-cron skill for recurring tasks).
Team Collaboration: Automate meeting summaries, share files across Slack/Discord, and track project deadlines.
Global Communication: Engage with international contacts via WhatsApp/Telegram with low latency (thanks to Tencent Cloud’s overseas servers).
Automated Research: Let OpenClaw browse the web, extract data, and compile reports—saving hours of manual work.
Pairing Issues: Ensure you’re using the correct command format (no <> around pairing codes) and that your messaging app is connected to the internet.
Skill Compatibility: Verify skill versions match your OpenClaw deployment (update via the Lighthouse console if needed).
Security: Never share bot tokens or API keys; use Tencent Cloud’s security isolation to protect sensitive data.
Performance: Opt for 4c Lighthouse instances for resource-intensive skills like web browsing or video processing.
Ready to build your own AI assistant? Follow the 3-step micro-guide to deploy OpenClaw on Tencent Cloud Lighthouse:
Visit https://www.tencentcloud.com/act/pro/intl-openclaw to select your Lighthouse plan.
Deploy OpenClaw with one click—no coding required.
Integrate your favorite messaging app and install skills to unlock full functionality.
OpenClaw empowers you to work smarter, not harder—with Tencent Cloud’s reliable infrastructure and extensive tutorials, the possibilities are endless. Join the Discord community to share tips, explore advanced use cases, and stay updated on the latest skills and integrations!