Channels

PocketPaw connects to multiple messaging platforms through channel adapters. Each adapter translates between the platform’s native protocol and PocketPaw’s internal message bus.

Supported Channels

Web Dashboard

Built-in real-time web interface with streaming, sessions, and tool activity.

Telegram

Full bot API with topic support, inline keyboards, and streaming via edit-in-place.

Discord

Slash commands, DM and mention support, streaming with edit-in-place.

Slack

Socket Mode (no public URL needed), thread support, app_mention events.

WhatsApp

Business API or Personal mode via QR scan. No Meta account needed for personal.

Signal

Privacy-focused messaging via signal-cli REST API.

Matrix

Decentralized, federated protocol via matrix-nio.

Microsoft Teams

Bot Framework SDK integration for enterprise collaboration.

Google Chat

Webhook and Pub/Sub modes via Google Chat API.

Running Channels

Web Dashboard (Default)

The web dashboard is the default mode. Simply run:

Terminal window
pocketpaw

The dashboard auto-starts all configured channel adapters on startup. You can manage channels from the Channels modal in the sidebar.

Headless Mode

Run specific channels without the web dashboard:

Terminal window
# Single channel
pocketpaw --telegram
pocketpaw --discord
pocketpaw --slack


# Multiple channels
pocketpaw --discord --slack --whatsapp


# All channel flags
pocketpaw --telegram --discord --slack --whatsapp --signal --matrix --teams --gchat

Channel Management API

The web dashboard exposes REST endpoints for channel management:

EndpointMethodDescription
/api/channels/statusGETGet status of all channels
/api/channels/savePOSTSave channel configuration
/api/channels/togglePOSTStart or stop a channel

Streaming Behavior

Each channel handles streaming differently based on platform limitations:

ChannelStreaming Method
Web DashboardReal-time WebSocket chunks
TelegramEdit-in-place (message updates)
DiscordEdit-in-place (1.5s rate limit)
SlackThread message updates
WhatsAppAccumulate + send on completion
SignalAccumulate + send on completion
MatrixEdit-in-place (m.replace)
TeamsAccumulate + send on completion
Google ChatAccumulate + send on completion

Channel-Specific Session Keys

Each channel generates unique session keys to maintain separate conversations:

  • Telegram: {chat_id} or {chat_id}:topic:{topic_id}
  • Discord: {channel_id} or dm:{user_id}
  • Slack: {channel_id}:{thread_ts}
  • WhatsApp: {phone_number}
  • Signal: {phone_number}
  • Matrix: {room_id}
  • Teams: {conversation_id}
  • Google Chat: {space_name}

Access Control

Each channel supports allow-listing to restrict who can interact with your agent:

Terminal window
# Telegram
export POCKETCLAW_ALLOWED_TELEGRAM_IDS="123456,789012"


# Discord
export POCKETCLAW_DISCORD_ALLOWED_GUILD_IDS="111,222"
export POCKETCLAW_DISCORD_ALLOWED_USER_IDS="333,444"


# Slack
export POCKETCLAW_SLACK_ALLOWED_CHANNEL_IDS="C01,C02"


# WhatsApp
export POCKETCLAW_WHATSAPP_ALLOWED_PHONE_NUMBERS="+1234567890"
Last updated: February 12, 2026
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