🦞 Clawbase
← Back to blog

April 7, 2026

How to Connect OpenClaw to Slack: Step-by-Step Integration Guide

Learn how to integrate OpenClaw with Slack to deploy your AI assistant in team channels, manage permissions, and set up channel allowlists. Follow this practical guide to connect OpenClaw to Slack and streamline your workflow.

OpenClaw Slack Integration: A Practical Guide

Integrating OpenClaw with Slack lets you deploy a powerful AI assistant directly into your team’s communication channels. Whether you’re looking to automate tasks, answer questions, or streamline internal workflows, connecting OpenClaw to Slack is a straightforward process that unlocks real productivity gains.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the integration process step by step, including:

  • How to connect OpenClaw to Slack
  • Required scopes and permissions
  • Setting up channel allowlists for granular control
  • Best practices for managing your Slack AI assistant

This article follows the proven Telegram integration pattern, with added guidance for Slack-specific settings.

Why Integrate OpenClaw with Slack?

Slack is the nerve center for many modern teams. By connecting OpenClaw, you can:

  • Provide instant AI-powered answers to team questions
  • Automate repetitive requests and workflows
  • Maintain context across conversations
  • Customize assistant behavior per channel
  • Ensure security and compliance with scoped permissions

If your team already uses Clawbase (clawbase.com) for AI infrastructure, this integration makes it even easier to deploy assistants where your team works.

Prerequisites

Before you start, ensure you have:

  • An OpenClaw account with admin access
  • Slack workspace admin privileges
  • (Optional) Access to Clawbase for advanced management

Step 1: Create an OpenClaw Slack App

To connect OpenClaw to Slack, you’ll first need to register a Slack app. This app acts as the bridge between your Slack workspace and OpenClaw’s AI capabilities.

1. Go to the Slack API: Your Apps page.

2. Click "Create New App".

  • Choose “From scratch”
  • Give your app a descriptive name (e.g., OpenClaw Assistant)
  • Select your workspace

3. Configure OAuth & Permissions.

You’ll need to assign the correct scopes for OpenClaw to function properly (see the next section for details).

Ready for your own?

🦞 Hire an AI employee that works 24/7

Plans from less than $1/day. Dedicated cloud host, top models, and messaging on Telegram, Slack, or Discord. No API keys to manage.

See plans · Cancel anytime

Step 2: Set Required Scopes and Permissions

Slack apps require explicit permissions to interact with channels and users. OpenClaw uses the following scopes:

Bot Token Scopes:

  • channels:history — Read messages in public channels
  • channels:read — View basic information about public channels
  • chat:write — Send messages as the bot
  • groups:history — Read messages in private channels the bot is a member of
  • groups:read — View basic info about private channels
  • im:history — Read messages in direct messages
  • im:read — View basic info about direct messages
  • mpim:history — Read messages in group DMs
  • mpim:read — View basic info about group DMs
  • users:read — View users in the workspace

Why these scopes?

  • Reading message history lets OpenClaw provide contextual responses.
  • Write permissions are needed for the assistant to reply or take action.
  • Channel and user info scopes help the assistant personalize interactions and route requests appropriately.

Security Tip: Always use the minimum required scopes. If your use case doesn’t require DMs or private channels, omit those scopes.

Step 3: Install the App to Your Workspace

After configuring scopes, install the app:

  1. Click Install App to Workspace in Slack’s app settings.
  2. Authorize the requested permissions.
  3. Copy the Bot User OAuth Token (starts with xoxb-). You’ll need this for OpenClaw configuration.

Step 4: Connect OpenClaw to Slack

With your Slack app set up, you’re ready to connect it to OpenClaw.

  1. Log in to your OpenClaw dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Integrations > Slack.
  3. Click Connect and paste your Slack Bot Token.
  4. Follow the prompts to complete authentication.

If you’re using Clawbase, you can manage multiple Slack integrations and assistants from a single control panel (clawbase.com).

Step 5: Set Up Channel Allowlists

By default, your OpenClaw Slack integration can be scoped to specific channels. This is a best practice for both privacy and relevance.

To configure channel allowlists:

  1. In the OpenClaw dashboard, go to your Slack integration settings.
  2. Under Channel Allowlists, select which channels the assistant can access.
  3. Save your changes.

Benefits of channel allowlists:

  • Prevents the assistant from accessing sensitive or off-topic channels
  • Ensures the right teams get the right AI support
  • Simplifies compliance and auditability

You can update the allowlist at any time as your team’s needs evolve.

Step 6: Deploy and Test Your Slack AI Assistant

Once connected and scoped, it’s time to bring your assistant online:

  1. Add the OpenClaw bot to the allowed channels in Slack (/invite @YourBotName).
  2. Test basic commands (e.g., @YourBotName help).
  3. Review logs and permissions in the OpenClaw dashboard for troubleshooting.

Best practices:

  • Start with a pilot group or channel before rolling out workspace-wide
  • Encourage team feedback to refine assistant behavior
  • Regularly audit permissions and channel access

Advanced Tips: Managing Multiple Workspaces & Assistants

If you need to connect OpenClaw to multiple Slack workspaces or deploy different assistants per team, Clawbase offers centralized management:

  • Multi-workspace integration: Manage Slack bots across organizations
  • Role-based access control: Delegate integration management to team leads
  • Analytics: Track usage and optimize assistant performance

For more, see the official OpenClaw integration docs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I limit OpenClaw’s access to only public channels?

Yes, by only granting channels:history and channels:read (and omitting private channel scopes), and by configuring the allowlist, you can restrict the assistant to public channels.

What if my organization requires extra compliance?

Use Clawbase to enforce stricter policies, audit logs, and control integrations at scale. Always review and minimize granted scopes.

How do I disconnect OpenClaw from Slack?

Remove the integration from the OpenClaw dashboard, and revoke the app in Slack’s admin settings. This immediately deauthorizes the bot.

Conclusion

Connecting OpenClaw to Slack is a practical way to supercharge your team’s productivity with an AI assistant that’s always available. By following this guide, you can:

  • Set up a secure, permissioned Slack integration
  • Control where and how the assistant operates via channel allowlists
  • Manage everything centrally with Clawbase if needed

Ready to streamline your workflow? Get started with OpenClaw’s Slack integration today and empower your team with an always-on AI assistant.