🦞
Channel Integration

Connect OpenClaw to Matrix

Integrate OpenClaw with the Matrix protocol for decentralized, federated AI messaging with full data sovereignty.

🔲 Why Use Matrix?
  • ✓Open Protocol — Decentralized, federated communication standard
  • ✓Self-Hosted Option — Run your own homeserver for complete control
  • ✓End-to-End Encryption — Secure messaging with E2EE support
  • ✓Federation — Connect across different Matrix servers
  • ✓Bridge Support — Connect to other platforms via bridges

Setup Steps

1

Create a Matrix Account for the Bot

Register a new account on your Matrix homeserver:

  • • Use your self-hosted Synapse server, or
  • • Register on a public homeserver like matrix.org
  • • Create a dedicated account (e.g., @openclaw:yourserver.com)
  • • Note the access token for authentication
2

Get an Access Token

Generate an access token for the bot account:

curl -X POST \
  "https://yourserver.com/_matrix/client/r0/login" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"type":"m.login.password","user":"openclaw","password":"YOUR_PASSWORD"}'

Or use Element's Settings → Help & About → Access Token

3

Configure OpenClaw

Add the Matrix configuration to your openclaw.json:

{
  "channels": {
    "matrix": {
      "enabled": true,
      "homeserverUrl": "https://matrix.yourserver.com",
      "userId": "@openclaw:yourserver.com",
      "accessToken": "YOUR_ACCESS_TOKEN",
      "allowFrom": ["@youruser:yourserver.com"]
    }
  }
}
4

Restart and Test

Restart OpenClaw and invite the bot to a room:

openclaw restart
  • • Create a new room or use an existing one
  • • Invite the bot user to the room
  • • Send a message to test the connection
Self-Hosted Matrix Server

For complete data sovereignty, run your own Matrix homeserver:

# Using Docker Compose with Synapse
version: '3'
services:
  synapse:
    image: matrixdotorg/synapse:latest
    volumes:
      - ./data:/data
    ports:
      - "8008:8008"
    environment:
      - SYNAPSE_SERVER_NAME=matrix.yourdomain.com
      - SYNAPSE_REPORT_STATS=no

Popular homeserver options: Synapse (reference), Dendrite (lightweight), Conduit (Rust)

Advanced Configuration
{
  "channels": {
    "matrix": {
      "enabled": true,
      "homeserverUrl": "https://matrix.yourserver.com",
      "userId": "@openclaw:yourserver.com",
      "accessToken": "YOUR_ACCESS_TOKEN",
      "allowFrom": ["@user1:server.com", "@user2:server.com"],
      "allowRooms": ["!roomid:server.com"],
      "enableE2EE": true,
      "autoJoinRooms": true,
      "respondToMentions": true,
      "deviceDisplayName": "OpenClaw Bot"
    }
  }
}
  • homeserverUrl — Your Matrix homeserver URL
  • allowRooms — Restrict to specific room IDs
  • enableE2EE — Enable end-to-end encryption
  • autoJoinRooms — Auto-accept room invites from allowed users
Features
  • ✓End-to-End Encryption — Secure E2EE room support
  • ✓Federation — Works across different Matrix servers
  • ✓Room & DM Support — Works in public/private rooms and DMs
  • ✓File Attachments — Send and receive files and images
  • ✓Reactions & Replies — Thread support and message reactions
⚠️ Troubleshooting

Bot not responding in rooms?

Ensure the bot has been invited and joined the room. Check allowFrom and allowRooms settings.

E2EE messages not decrypting?

E2EE requires key backup. Verify the bot's device is verified in room settings.

Access token invalid?

Tokens can expire. Generate a new access token using the login API.

For more detailed configuration options and advanced features, visit the official documentation:

docs.openclaw.ai/channels/matrix →

Matrix Connected!

Add more channels or enhance your bot with custom skills.

Add SignalExplore Skills