WhatsApp Bot Not Responding / Messages Ignored
WhatsApp connected but bot doesn't reply / messages are read but no response
OpenClaw troubleshooting · Updated 2026
Error Message
WhatsApp connected but bot doesn't reply / messages are read but no response
What Causes This
The bot is connected (messages show as delivered/read) but never responds. This is almost always a DM policy issue: the sender isn't approved, or the group policy is blocking messages.
How to Fix It
Check DM policy and allowlists:
# Check who's approved
openclaw pairing list whatsapp
# If your number isn't there, approve yourself:
# Send any message to the bot → you'll get a pairing code
openclaw pairing approve whatsapp <code>
# Check the allowlist in config
openclaw config get channels.whatsapp.allowFrom
# Make sure your number (with country code) is listed: "+15551234567"
# For group messages, check group policy:
openclaw config get channels.whatsapp.groupPolicy
# If "allowlist", your group ID must be listed
# Check logs for the actual reason:
openclaw logs --follow
# Then send a message — the log will show why it was dropped