Direct Messages
Direct message settings control who can interact with your bot in one-on-one Telegram conversations. This maps to OpenClaw’s allowFrom list concept.
How the DM List Works
The allowed users list determines who can send direct messages to your bot:
- No users added — When DM access is enabled and the list is empty, your bot is open to everyone. Anyone can message it directly.
- Specific users added — Only users on the list can chat with the bot. Everyone else is blocked from sending direct messages.
This gives you full control over who has access to your bot in private conversations.
Adding Users
To allow someone to message your bot:
- From your bot’s page, click the Chat Settings button (Settings icon) in the action bar
- Under Direct Messages, find the allowed users list
- Add the user by their Telegram username (e.g.,
johndoe)
You can add as many users as you need. Each user you add will immediately be able to start a direct conversation with your bot.
Telegram User ID vs Telegram Username
It’s helpful to understand the difference between these two identifiers:
| User ID | Username | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Numeric (e.g., 123456789) | Text handle (e.g., @johndoe) |
| Permanence | Never changes | Can be changed by the user at any time |
| Visibility | Not visible in the Telegram UI | Visible on the user’s profile |
The UseOpenClaw platform generally lets you add users by their username for convenience. Behind the scenes, the system resolves this to ensure reliable identification.
If you need to find your own Telegram User ID, message @userinfobot on Telegram — it will reply with your numeric ID.