Errors / Allowlist Blocked
Fix: Allowlist Blocked
Error: "blocked by allowlist" or "sender not in allowlist"
What It Means
You've set up a security allowlist — a list of specific people or channels that are allowed to message your agent. Someone just tried to message you, but they're not on that list. Think of it like a VIP guest list at a club.
Common Causes
- •Channel has an allowlist and the sender isn't on it
- •Group or channel not in the allowed list
- •Upgraded OpenClaw and IDs changed (especially Telegram)
- •Username format changed (@username vs numeric ID)
Ask Your Agent to Fix This
Copy this prompt and send it to your OpenClaw agent:
Check my channel allowlists. List all the senders and channels
that are currently allowed. Then add [the sender's ID or username]
to the allowlist for [telegram/discord/whatsapp].
How to Fix It
1. Check Current Allowlist
# Check Telegram allowlist
openclaw config get channels.telegram.allowFrom
# Check Discord allowlist
openclaw config get channels.discord.allowFrom
# Check all channel policies
openclaw config get channels
2. Add Sender to Allowlist
# Add Telegram sender (by phone or username)
openclaw config set channels.telegram.allowFrom '["+1234567890", "@username"]'
# Add Discord sender (by user ID)
openclaw config set channels.discord.allowFrom '["123456789012345678"]'
⚠️ Change Policy to Allow All
If you want anyone to be able to message:
openclaw config set channels.telegram.dmPolicy open
openclaw config set channels.discord.dmPolicy open
Warning: This allows anyone to message your agent. Only do this if you understand the security implications.
How to Prevent This
- ✓Use "pairing" mode instead of strict allowlists — users can request access
- ✓When upgrading OpenClaw, check and update your allowlists
- ✓Use numeric IDs for Telegram (more stable than usernames)
Related Errors
Related Guides
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