Fix · Telegram · no events

OpenClaw (Moltbot) isn't receiving Telegram messages

Don’t guess. Do the 3-step verification loop: logs → chat id → mention mode.

Fastest verification loop (do this first)

# 1) Tail logs
openclaw logs --follow

# 2) Send a test message (DM the bot)
# 3) Confirm you see the inbound event in logs

If nothing shows up in logs, it’s not an “AI” issue — it’s a delivery/config issue.

Common causes

  • Bot privacy mode / group mention rules: in groups, the bot may only receive updates when mentioned.
  • Wrong chat id: you’re sending to a different group/thread than you think.
  • Webhook/polling mismatch: Telegram updates aren’t reaching your gateway.
  • Gateway not running: simplest, most common.

Fix checklist

1
Confirm the gateway is running
openclaw gateway status
2
Get the correct chat id
See: Telegram chat id guide
3
Check mention-only behavior
See: Telegram group mentions
4
Verify via logs
If events arrive but no reply, it’s likely an agent config/permission issue.
Telegram setup → Full troubleshooting page →

Rename note: this site uses “OpenClaw (Moltbot)” for SEO continuity.