Overview

This guide shows you how to connect Ollama to Telegram using OpenClaw. You'll configure the messaging channel, set up AI provider authentication, and deploy your assistant.

Telegram Capabilities

Direct messages
Group chats
Media support
Reactions
Native commands

Ollama Features

Completely local
No API costs
Privacy-focused
Many model options

Step 1: Configure Telegram

Create a bot with @BotFather on Telegram
Copy the bot token provided
Set TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN environment variable
Add telegram configuration to openclaw.json
Start the gateway and message your bot

Step 2: Configure Ollama

No authentication required for local instance

Install Ollama from ollama.ai
Run 'ollama pull llama3.3'
Start Ollama service
Configure baseUrl in OpenClaw

Step 3: Combined Configuration

Add both configurations to your openclaw.json:

{
  "agents": {
    "defaults": {
      "model": {
        "primary": "ollama/llama3.3"
      }
    }
  },
  "models": {
    "providers": {
      "ollama": {
  "models": {
    "providers": {
      "ollama": {
        "baseUrl": "http://localhost:11434"
      }
    }
  },
  "channels": {
    "telegram": {
      "botToken": "${TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN}",
      "dmPolicy": "pairing",
      "allowFrom": ["alice", "bob"],
      "historyLimit": 20,
      "reactionNotifications": "own"
    }
  }
}
}

Step 4: Start and Test

# Start the gateway
openclaw gateway start

# Check connection status
openclaw status

# View real-time logs
openclaw logs --follow

Access Control

Telegram supports the following access control policies:

DM Policies

Policy	Description
`allowlist`	Only senders in allowFrom list are processed
`pairing`	Unknown senders receive a pairing code; admin must approve
`open`	All DMs are processed (requires allowFrom: ["*"])