Overview

Channels connect PlugClaw to external messaging platforms such as WeChat, Feishu, and DingTalk. After a channel is configured, you can send messages to PlugClaw from that platform and receive its replies there. Scheduled and event-driven tasks can also deliver their results to a configured channel.

A channel is the messaging platform connected to PlugClaw. A channel account is the bot or account that PlugClaw uses on that platform. The connection method depends on the platform: WeChat and WhatsApp are mainly connected by scanning a QR code, while other platforms usually require you to create a bot or application first and then enter the credentials provided by the platform into PlugClaw.

Before configuring a channel, make sure PlugClaw has been initialized, the gateway is connected, and the required platform account is ready. After adding a channel or changing an existing channel's account, credentials, or connection settings, you must restart the PlugClaw gateway before the new configuration can take effect.

Steps

Choose a Channel

Choose a channel based on the messaging platforms and accounts you normally use. You do not need to configure every platform at once.

For personal use, start with a platform you use regularly and can sign in to normally. For organization or team use, first confirm that the platform is permitted and that you have permission to create a bot or application.

Complete and Verify the Configuration

1. Open the configuration guide for the selected platform, prepare the required account, bot, or application, and save the channel configuration in PlugClaw.

2. Restart the PlugClaw gateway after saving the configuration.

3. Confirm that the channel or account shows a connected, enabled, or otherwise available status. Do not use it for an actual task while the page still reports missing credentials, a failed connection, or a disabled state.

4. Send a simple message such as "Hello" from the external platform to the bot or account you just configured. Receiving a normal reply from PlugClaw confirms that the channel can send and receive messages.

5. To deliver a scheduled task result through this channel, open Scheduled Tasks, select Send to External Channel, and then choose the channel, sending account, and receiving target. See Scheduled Tasks for the complete procedure.

If you send a message from the external platform but PlugClaw does not reply, check whether the channel is enabled, whether the account or bot is still online, whether the credentials are correct, and whether the PlugClaw gateway is connected. After changing a channel configuration, save it, restart the gateway, and send another test message. Use the channel for actual tasks only after messages can be sent and received normally.