💬

IRC Integration

Connect OpenClaw to IRC and have your AI assistant respond to messages in real-time.

TL;DR

✓ Prerequisites: Node.js 22+, OpenClaw installed
✓ Configuration: Add IRC section to openclaw.json
✓ Time: ~15 minutes
✓ Requires: IRC server access (libera.chat, etc.)

Prerequisites

1.

OpenClaw installed

Follow the installation guide if you haven't already.
2.

IRC Server

Access to an IRC server (e.g., libera.chat, OFTC, Freenode).
3.

IRC Client

An IRC client like HexChat, mIRC, or weechat for testing.

Setup Steps

Step 1: Configure openclaw.json

Add the IRC configuration to your openclaw.json file:

{
  "channels": {
    "irc": {
      "enabled": true,
      "server": "irc.libera.chat",
      "port": 6697,
      "useTLS": true,
      "nickname": "openclaw",
      "username": "openclaw",
      "realname": "OpenClaw AI Assistant",
      "channels": ["#openclaw", "#help"],
      "allowFrom": ["*"]
    }
  }
}

Step 2: Start OpenClaw

Start OpenClaw with IRC enabled:

openclaw start

The bot will connect to the specified IRC server and join the configured channels.

Step 3: Interact with Your AI

In the channel, mention the bot or use commands:

@openclaw Hello! - Direct message to the bot
!help - Get help information
!model gpt-4 - Switch AI model

🎉 Connected! Your IRC AI assistant is now ready.

Advanced Configuration

SSL/TLS Configuration

For secure connections:

{
  "channels": {
    "irc": {
      "enabled": true,
      "server": "irc.libera.chat",
      "port": 6697,
      "useTLS": true
    }
  }
}

NickServ Authentication

If your nickname requires authentication:

{
  "channels": {
    "irc": {
      "enabled": true,
      "nickserv": {
        "password": "your_nickserv_password"
      }
    }
  }
}

Troubleshooting

Connection refused?

Check that the IRC server and port are correct. Some servers may require different ports or have firewall restrictions.

Nickname already in use?

Change the nickname in your configuration or wait for the existing user to disconnect.

Not joining channels?

Verify that the channel names are correct and you have permission to join them. Some channels may require invitation.