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How to Connect Communication Channels to Your Managed AI Agent on Cloudways

Learn how to connect supported communication channels such as WhatsApp and Slack to your Managed AI Agent on Cloudways, configure the required settings, sync the connection, and test your agent.

Written by Syed Abuzar Mehdi

Cloudways Managed AI Agents can connect with supported communication channels so you can interact with your agent through messaging platforms you already use.

Depending on the Managed AI Agent you select, available communication channels may include platforms such as WhatsApp, Slack, and other supported integrations.

Connecting a communication channel allows messages from that platform to reach your agent, which can then process and respond to them based on its configuration and capabilities.

This guide explains how to connect supported communication channels to a Managed AI Agent from the Cloudways Platform, including setup, authentication, connection confirmation, synchronization, and testing.

Before You Start

Before connecting a communication channel, make sure you have:

  • An active paid Cloudways account with access to Managed AI Agents.

  • A Managed AI Agent deployed on the Cloudways Platform.

  • Access to the communication platform you want to connect.

  • Any account, application, token, or authentication credentials required by the selected communication channel.

  • A configured LLM provider, where required by the selected Managed AI Agent.

A communication channel is an external messaging service that allows you to interact with your Managed AI Agent outside its primary interface. Examples include WhatsApp and Slack.

Important:

Supported communication channels and connection methods may vary between Managed AI Agents. Always check the Channels section of the selected agent to see which integrations are available.

How Communication Channels Work with Managed AI Agents

When you connect a supported communication channel, that platform becomes another way to interact with your Managed AI Agent.

For example, instead of opening the agent interface every time you want to send a request, you may be able to message the agent directly through WhatsApp or Slack.

The connected agent receives the request, processes it using its configured AI model and capabilities, and returns the response through the same communication channel.

The exact connection method depends on the communication channel and the Managed AI Agent. Some channels may use QR code pairing, while others may require application credentials, permissions, or access tokens.

Note:

The setup examples in this article use OpenClaw. Other Managed AI Agents, such as Hermes, may use slightly different authentication methods or require different configuration details.

How to Connect WhatsApp to Your Managed AI Agent

You can connect a supported Managed AI Agent to WhatsApp so you can interact with the agent directly through WhatsApp.

For the OpenClaw example shown in this guide, WhatsApp uses a QR code pairing process similar to linking WhatsApp Web. The current KB already uses this workflow.

This makes it easier to access your agent from anywhere using a familiar messaging app.

The setup usually takes less than a minute.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

  • A paid Cloudways account with access to OpenClaw Managed AI Agents.

  • An existing OpenClaw agent deployed in your Cloudways Platform.

  • A WhatsApp account on your phone.

  • A stable internet connection on both your computer and phone.

  • Access to the phone number you want to connect with your OpenClaw agent.

Important:

A WhatsApp number can be linked to only one OpenClaw agent at a time. To use the same WhatsApp number with another agent, disconnect it from the current agent first.

Step #1 — Go to AI Agents:

  • Log in to your Cloudways Platform.

  • From the left-side navigation menu, click AI Agents.

  • This opens the AI Managed Agents area, where you can manage your existing OpenClaw agents or deploy a new one.

Step #2 — Open My Agents:

  • You will be redirected to the Managed AI Agents page. This page lists all OpenClaw agents available in your Cloudways account.

  • Click on the OpenClaw agent you want to connect with WhatsApp.

Step #3 — Go to the Channels Section:

  • On the agent details page, stay on the AI Agent tab.

  • Scroll down to the Channels section. Channels are messaging platforms that allow you to communicate with your OpenClaw agent from external apps.

  • In the Channels section, you will see available options such as WhatsApp and Slack.

  • Under the WhatsApp channel, click Connect WhatsApp.

  • A popup window will appear asking you to connect WhatsApp by scanning a QR code.

Step #4 — Generate the QR Code:

  • In the Connect WhatsApp popup, click Click To Generate QR Code.

  • OpenClaw will generate a QR code that you need to scan from your WhatsApp mobile app.

Step #5 — Scan the QR Code from WhatsApp:

  • Once the QR code appears on the screen, open WhatsApp on your phone.

  • On iPhone, tap Settings.

  • On Android, tap the three-dot menu.

  • Next, tap Linked Devices and then tap Link a Device.

  • Point your phone camera at the QR code shown in the OpenClaw popup.

Step #6 — Confirm the Connection

  • After the QR code is scanned, pairing usually takes a few seconds.

  • Once the scan is complete, close the QR code popup in the Cloudways Platform. The WhatsApp channel status should update to Connected.

  • If the status does not update automatically, click Sync in the Channels section. This refreshes the messaging channel status and confirms the latest connection state.

Step #7 — Test the WhatsApp Connection:

  • To confirm that WhatsApp is connected successfully, send a WhatsApp message to the linked number.

  • Your OpenClaw agent should reply to the message. This confirms that the WhatsApp channel is working correctly.

Step #8 — LLM Provider Key:

  • For OpenClaw to work, LLM Provider Key is required.

  • In the LLM Provider section, choose your LLM Provider, insert the key and click on Update Key.

Step #9 — Disconnect Your WhatsApp:

  • To disconnect your WhatsApp, click on the three-dot menu as shown below.

  • Click on Disconnect.

Note:

  • A WhatsApp number can be connected to only one Managed AI agent at a time.

  • The WhatsApp connection uses the phone number that was scanned during setup.

  • If you remove the linked device from WhatsApp, your Managed AI Agent and WhatsApp connection will also stop working.

  • Keep the linked phone connected to the internet regularly so the session does not expire.

  • To disconnect WhatsApp from your Managed AI Agent, remove the linked device from WhatsApp on your phone.

Troubleshooting For WhatsApp

The QR code is not appearing

Click Click To Generate QR Code again. Also make sure your browser session is active and your internet connection is stable.

The QR code expired

Close the popup and open Connect WhatsApp again. Generate a new QR code and scan it from your phone.

WhatsApp status is not updating

Click Sync in the Channels section. This refreshes the connection status.

The agent is not replying on WhatsApp

Make sure the WhatsApp number is still linked under Linked Devices on your phone. Also confirm that your OpenClaw agent is running and that the connected phone has internet access.

I want to connect the same WhatsApp number to another OpenClaw agent

Disconnect the WhatsApp number from the current OpenClaw agent first. After that, connect it to the other agent using the same QR code pairing process.

How to Connect Slack to Your Managed AI Agent

You can connect a supported Managed AI Agent to Slack so you can interact with the agent directly from your Slack workspace.

For the OpenClaw example, Slack requires creating a Slack app, adding permissions, generating tokens, and adding those tokens to the agent configuration. The current article uses this workflow.

Note:

The following Slack setup uses OpenClaw as the example Managed AI Agent. Slack availability, required permissions, token types, and configuration steps may differ slightly for Hermes or other Managed AI Agents.

Step #1 — Go to AI Agents in Cloudways:

  • Log in to your Cloudways Platform.

  • From the left-side menu, click AI Agents.

  • Next, click My Agents.

  • This will take you to the Managed AI Agents page, where you can view all AI agents available in your Cloudways account.

Step #2 — Open Your OpenClaw Agent:

  • On the Managed AI Agents page, find the agent you want to connect with Slack.

  • Click the agent name or the available setup option to open the agent details page.

Step #3 — Go to the Slack Channel Option:

  • On the agent details page, stay on the AI Agent tab.

  • Scroll down to the Channels section.

  • Under Slack, click Connect Slack.

  • You will need to enter Slack tokens here after creating and configuring your Slack app.

Step #4 — Create a Slack App

  • Open Slack’s app management page in your browser.

  • Go to api.slack.com/apps.

  • Click Create New App.

  • Select From scratch.

  • Enter a name for your app. For example, you can name it OpenClaw Agent or anything else. I have named it OpenClaw Cloudways Test.

  • Select the Slack workspace where you want to use the agent.

  • Click Create App.

Step #5 — Add Bot Token Scopes:

  • In the left sidebar of your Slack app settings, click OAuth and Permissions.

  • Scroll down to the Scopes section.

  • Under Bot Token Scopes, click Add an OAuth Scope.

  • Add the following scopes one by one:

  • chat:write — Allows the bot to send messages in Slack.

  • im:history — Allows the bot to read direct messages.

  • im:write — Allows the bot to send direct messages.

  • app_mentions:read — Allows the bot to detect when someone mentions it.

  • channels:history — Allows the bot to read channel messages.

  • channels:read — Allows the bot to list and access channels.

  • users:read — Allows the bot to read basic user information, such as names.

  • These permissions allow the Slack app to receive messages, understand mentions, and reply from your OpenClaw agent.

Step #6 — Enable App Home Messaging

  • In the left sidebar of the Slack app settings under Features, click App Home.

  • Scroll down to Show Tabs.

  • Make sure the Messages Tab toggle is enabled.

  • Then, select the checkbox for Allow users to send Slash commands and messages from the messages tab.

  • This allows users to send messages to the app from the Slack app’s message tab.

Step #7 — Enable Socket Mode

  • In the left sidebar, under Settings, click Socket Mode.

  • Turn on Enable Socket Mode.

  • When Slack asks you to generate an app-level token, create a token with the connections:write scope.

  • You can name this token something simple, such as socket-mode.

  • Click Generate.

  • Copy the token that starts with xapp- and save it somewhere secure. You will need to paste this token into OpenClaw later.

Step #8 — Configure Event Subscriptions

  • In the left sidebar of your Slack app settings under Features, click Event Subscriptions.

  • Turn on Enable Events.

  • Scroll down to Subscribe to bot events.

  • Click Add Bot User Event.

  • Add the following events:

    • message.im — Allows the bot to receive direct messages.

    • app_mention — Allows the bot to receive messages when someone mentions it in Slack.

  • Click Save Changes at the bottom of the page.

Step #9 — Install the Slack App in Your Workspace:

  • Go back to OAuth and Permissions.

  • At the top of the page, click Install to Workspace.

  • On the permission screen, click Allow.

  • You need to be a Slack workspace admin to install the app. If you are not an admin, ask your workspace admin to approve the installation.

Step #10 — Copy the Required Slack Tokens

  • OpenClaw needs two Slack tokens to complete the connection.

  • Copy the Bot User OAuth Token. This token starts with xoxb-. You can find it at the top of the OAuth and Permissions page.

  • Copy the App Level Token. This token starts with xapp-. If you copied it during the Socket Mode setup, use the same token. If not, you can find it under Basic Information > App Level Tokens in Step #7.

Important:

Keep both tokens secure. Do not share them publicly or place them in public documents, tickets, or screenshots.

Step #11 — Add the Slack Tokens in OpenClaw

  • Choose your Agent

  • Go to the Channels section.

  • Under Slack, click Connect Slack.

  • Paste the Bot User OAuth Token that starts with xoxb- into the Bot Token field.

  • Paste the App Level Token that starts with xapp- into the App Token field.

  • Click Connect Slack.

  • Check on the AI Agent's page if the Slack is connected.

Step #12 — Test the Slack Connection

  • Open your Slack workspace.

  • Click the plus icon next to Direct Messages.

  • Search for the Slack app name you created, such as OpenClaw Cloudways Test.

  • Open the direct message with the app.

  • Send a test message.

  • Your OpenClaw agent should reply within a few seconds. This confirms that Slack is connected successfully.

Step #13 — LLM Provider Key:

  • For OpenClaw to work, LLM Provider Key is required.

  • In the LLM Provider section, choose your LLM Provider, insert the key and click on Update Key.

Using the Agent in a Slack Channel

  • To use your OpenClaw agent inside a Slack channel, invite the Slack app to that channel first.

  • Open the Slack channel and run the following command:

  • /invite @yourappname

  • Replace yourappname with the name of your Slack app.

  • After the app is added to the channel, you can mention it in the channel and interact with your OpenClaw agent.

Important - Do Not Enable Token Rotation:

Do not enable Token Rotation on the Slack OAuth and Permissions page.

Token Rotation causes the xoxb- token to expire every 12 hours. If this happens, the OpenClaw Slack connection will stop working and you will need to reconnect it regularly.

How to Connect Telegram to Your Managed AI Agent

You can connect Telegram to a supported Managed AI Agent to interact with your agent directly through Telegram.

For the setup shown in this guide, you first create a Telegram bot using BotFather and then use the bot's authentication token to connect Telegram to your Managed AI Agent.

Note:

This guide uses OpenClaw as the example Managed AI Agent. The Telegram availability, required fields, authentication method, and setup steps may differ slightly for other Managed AI Agents, such as Hermes.

Before You Start

Before connecting Telegram, make sure you have:

  • A paid Cloudways account with access to Managed AI Agents.

  • A Managed AI Agent deployed on the Cloudways Platform.

  • A Telegram account.

  • Access to Telegram on your phone or computer.

You also need to create a Telegram bot and obtain its bot token before connecting Telegram to your agent.

A bot token is a unique authentication key provided by Telegram that allows an application or service to access and control the Telegram bot.

Treat this token like a password and keep it secure.

Telegram also recommends keeping bot tokens private because anyone who has the token can use it to control the bot.

Create a Telegram Bot

You need a Telegram bot before you can connect Telegram to your Managed AI Agent.

Telegram provides BotFather, an official Telegram bot that you can use to create and manage bots.

Step #1 — Open BotFather:

  1. Open the Telegram app.

  2. Search for BotFather.

  3. Select the verified BotFather account.

Note:

Make sure you select the official BotFather account. The official account is verified in Telegram.

Step #2 — Start Bot Creation:

  1. Open the BotFather chat.

  2. Send the following command: /newbot

  3. BotFather will ask you to provide a name for your bot.

Telegram's official documentation confirms that /newbot starts the bot creation process and that BotFather generates an authentication token after the bot is created.

Important:

Since the screenshot clearly shows Create a New Bot, I would actually use that as the primary instruction rather than making /newbot the only method.

Step #3 — Enter a Bot Name:

  1. Enter a name for your bot when BotFather asks for it.

  2. You can use any name that helps you identify the bot.

For example:

CW_Test Bot

The bot name is the display name that users see in Telegram.

*Refer to the screenshot under Step #4.

Step #4 — Enter a Bot Username:

  1. BotFather will ask you to choose a username for the bot.

  2. Enter a unique username.

  3. Make sure the username ends with bot.

For example:

cw_test881bot

Telegram requires bot usernames to end with bot. Usernames can contain Latin letters, numbers, and underscores.

If the username is available, BotFather will create the bot.

Step #5 — Copy the Bot Token

After creating the bot, BotFather will provide an HTTP API token.

The token is required to connect the Telegram bot to your Managed AI Agent.

  1. Copy the token provided by BotFather.

  2. Store it somewhere secure.

  3. Do not share the token publicly.

Important:

Treat your Telegram bot token like a password. Anyone who has the token can use it to control your bot. If the token is exposed, generate a new token or revoke the compromised token through BotFather.

Connect the Telegram Bot to Your Managed AI Agent

At this point, you have created the Telegram bot and copied its bot token.

You can now connect the bot to your Managed AI Agent from the Cloudways Platform.

To avoid repeating the Cloudways Platform navigation covered in the WhatsApp and Slack sections, use the navigation steps already provided above to:

Log in to Cloudways → AI Agents → My Agents → Select your Managed AI Agent → AI Agent tab → Channels.

When you reach the Channels section, continue with the Telegram steps below.

Step #6 — Open the Telegram Connection

  1. In the Channels section of your Managed AI Agent, locate Telegram.

  2. Click Connect Telegram.

Note:

The exact button name or available Telegram options may differ slightly depending on the Managed AI Agent you are using.

Step #7 — Add the Telegram Bot Token

  1. Enter the bot token you copied from BotFather.

  2. Review the token to make sure it is correct.

  3. Click Connect Telegram.

Important: Do not paste your Telegram bot token into screenshots, public documents, support tickets, or other places where it could be exposed.

Step #8 — Confirm the Connection

After you connect the bot:

  1. Check the Telegram channel status on your Managed AI Agent.

  2. Confirm that the status shows that Telegram is connected.

If the status does not update automatically, use the Sync option if it is available.

Step #9 — Test the Telegram Connection

  1. Open Telegram.

  2. Search for the username of the bot you created.

  3. Open the bot.

  4. Start the conversation with the bot.

  5. Send a test message.

Your Managed AI Agent should respond to the message if the connection and agent configuration are working correctly.

Note:

Your Managed AI Agent must have a valid LLM provider configuration to process AI requests. If the Telegram connection is successful but the agent does not respond, verify the agent's LLM provider configuration and status.

Disconnect Telegram

If you no longer want to use the Telegram bot with your Managed AI Agent:

  1. Go to your agent's Channels section.

  2. Locate Telegram.

  3. Click the available options menu.

  4. Select Disconnect.

Important Notes

Keep your Telegram bot token secure

The Telegram bot token provides access to the bot through Telegram's Bot API. Do not share it with other people or expose it in public content.

Create a separate bot when needed

If you want to use different Telegram identities for different agents or purposes, create separate Telegram bots and connect each bot to the appropriate Managed AI Agent.

Telegram username and bot name are different

The bot name is the display name users see, while the username is the unique identifier used to find and interact with the bot.

For example:

  • Bot name: CW Test Bot

  • Bot username: @cw_test881bot

Telegram requirements may vary by agent

Telegram support and the connection method may differ between Managed AI Agents.

Important:

The steps in this section demonstrate the Telegram connection using OpenClaw as the example. Hermes and other Managed AI Agents may have different Telegram settings, fields, or authentication requirements.

Troubleshooting Telegram

The bot username is not available

Choose a different username. Telegram requires bot usernames to end in bot, and the username must be available.

I cannot find my bot in Telegram

Search for the bot using its exact username. You can also open the bot from the link provided by BotFather after creating it.

Telegram is connected but the bot does not respond

Check the following:

  • The Telegram bot is connected to the correct Managed AI Agent.

  • The Telegram channel shows a connected status.

  • Your Managed AI Agent is running.

  • Your LLM provider is configured correctly.

  • You are sending the message to the correct Telegram bot.

I accidentally exposed my bot token

Treat an exposed token as compromised. Generate a new token through BotFather and update the token used by your Managed AI Agent.

Telegram provides the /token command through BotFather for generating a new authentication token.

That’s it! We hope this article was useful.

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