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Connect Openclaw to WebChat: Quick Dashboard Setup
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Quick Start
The WebChat channel provides a browser-based interface for interacting with your Openclaw agent. This guide walks you through launching the WebChat dashboard and connecting it to your Gateway.
Launching WebChat
Step 1: Start Your Gateway
Ensure your Openclaw Gateway is running before attempting to connect WebChat:
Openclaw gateway --port 18789 Step 2: Open the Dashboard
Run the dashboard command from your terminal:
Openclaw dashboard This automatically launches your default browser and loads the WebChat interface at http://localhost:18789.
Configuration Options
Manual Configuration
If you need to customize the WebChat settings, add the following to your ~/.Openclaw/Openclaw.json:
{
"channels": {
"webchat": {
"enabled": true,
"port": 18789,
"bind": "localhost"
}
}
} Environment Variables
For containerized deployments, use these environment variables:
export OPENCLAW_WEBCHAT_PORT=18789
export OPENCLAW_WEBCHAT_BIND=0.0.0.0 Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Dashboard won't load | Verify the Gateway is running with Openclaw status |
| Connection refused | Check if port 18789 is available and not blocked by firewall |
| Blank page | Clear browser cache or try incognito mode |
Best Practices
- Bind to localhost for local-only access or 0.0.0.0 for network access
- Use a reverse proxy (nginx/Apache) with HTTPS for production deployments
- Enable authentication if exposing WebChat to the internet
WebChat integrates seamlessly with other Openclaw channels like Connect Zalo Openclaw and BlueBubbles Openclaw, allowing unified message management across platforms.
