--- summary: 'OpenClaw plugins/extensions: discovery, config, and safety' read_when: - Adding or modifying plugins/extensions - Documenting plugin install or load rules --- # Plugins (Extensions) ## Quick start (new to plugins?) A plugin is just a **small code module** that extends OpenClaw with extra features (commands, tools, and Gateway RPC). Most of the time, you’ll use plugins when you want a feature that’s not built into core OpenClaw yet (or you want to keep optional features out of your main install). Fast path: 1. See what’s already loaded: ```bash openclaw plugins list ``` 2. Install an official plugin (example: Voice Call): ```bash openclaw plugins install @openclaw/voice-call ``` 3. Restart the Gateway, then configure under `plugins.entries..config`. See [Voice Call](/plugins/voice-call) for a concrete example plugin. ## Available plugins (official) - Microsoft Teams is plugin-only as of 2026.1.15; install `@openclaw/msteams` if you use Teams. - Memory (Core) — bundled memory search plugin (enabled by default via `plugins.slots.memory`) - Memory (LanceDB) — bundled long-term memory plugin (auto-recall/capture; set `plugins.slots.memory = "memory-lancedb"`) - [Voice Call](/plugins/voice-call) — `@openclaw/voice-call` - [Zalo Personal](/plugins/zalouser) — `@openclaw/zalouser` - [Matrix](/channels/matrix) — `@openclaw/matrix` - [Nostr](/channels/nostr) — `@openclaw/nostr` - [Zalo](/channels/zalo) — `@openclaw/zalo` - [Microsoft Teams](/channels/msteams) — `@openclaw/msteams` - Google Antigravity OAuth (provider auth) — bundled as `google-antigravity-auth` (disabled by default) - Gemini CLI OAuth (provider auth) — bundled as `google-gemini-cli-auth` (disabled by default) - Qwen OAuth (provider auth) — bundled as `qwen-portal-auth` (disabled by default) - Copilot Proxy (provider auth) — local VS Code Copilot Proxy bridge; distinct from built-in `github-copilot` device login (bundled, disabled by default) OpenClaw plugins are **TypeScript modules** loaded at runtime via jiti. **Config validation does not execute plugin code**; it uses the plugin manifest and JSON Schema instead. See [Plugin manifest](/plugins/manifest). Plugins can register: - Gateway RPC methods - Gateway HTTP handlers - Agent tools - CLI commands - Background services - Optional config validation - **Skills** (by listing `skills` directories in the plugin manifest) - **Auto-reply commands** (execute without invoking the AI agent) Plugins run **in‑process** with the Gateway, so treat them as trusted code. Tool authoring guide: [Plugin agent tools](/plugins/agent-tools). ## Runtime helpers Plugins can access selected core helpers via `api.runtime`. For telephony TTS: ```ts const result = await api.runtime.tts.textToSpeechTelephony({ text: 'Hello from OpenClaw', cfg: api.config, }); ``` Notes: - Uses core `messages.tts` configuration (OpenAI or ElevenLabs). - Returns PCM audio buffer + sample rate. Plugins must resample/encode for providers. - Edge TTS is not supported for telephony. ## Discovery & precedence OpenClaw scans, in order: 1. Config paths - `plugins.load.paths` (file or directory) 2. Workspace extensions - `/.openclaw/extensions/*.ts` - `/.openclaw/extensions/*/index.ts` 3. Global extensions - `~/.openclaw/extensions/*.ts` - `~/.openclaw/extensions/*/index.ts` 4. Bundled extensions (shipped with OpenClaw, **disabled by default**) - `/extensions/*` Bundled plugins must be enabled explicitly via `plugins.entries..enabled` or `openclaw plugins enable `. Installed plugins are enabled by default, but can be disabled the same way. Each plugin must include a `openclaw.plugin.json` file in its root. If a path points at a file, the plugin root is the file's directory and must contain the manifest. If multiple plugins resolve to the same id, the first match in the order above wins and lower-precedence copies are ignored. ### Package packs A plugin directory may include a `package.json` with `openclaw.extensions`: ```json { "name": "my-pack", "openclaw": { "extensions": ["./src/safety.ts", "./src/tools.ts"] } } ``` Each entry becomes a plugin. If the pack lists multiple extensions, the plugin id becomes `name/`. If your plugin imports npm deps, install them in that directory so `node_modules` is available (`npm install` / `pnpm install`). ### Channel catalog metadata Channel plugins can advertise onboarding metadata via `openclaw.channel` and install hints via `openclaw.install`. This keeps the core catalog data-free. Example: ```json { "name": "@openclaw/nextcloud-talk", "openclaw": { "extensions": ["./index.ts"], "channel": { "id": "nextcloud-talk", "label": "Nextcloud Talk", "selectionLabel": "Nextcloud Talk (self-hosted)", "docsPath": "/channels/nextcloud-talk", "docsLabel": "nextcloud-talk", "blurb": "Self-hosted chat via Nextcloud Talk webhook bots.", "order": 65, "aliases": ["nc-talk", "nc"] }, "install": { "npmSpec": "@openclaw/nextcloud-talk", "localPath": "extensions/nextcloud-talk", "defaultChoice": "npm" } } } ``` OpenClaw can also merge **external channel catalogs** (for example, an MPM registry export). Drop a JSON file at one of: - `~/.openclaw/mpm/plugins.json` - `~/.openclaw/mpm/catalog.json` - `~/.openclaw/plugins/catalog.json` Or point `OPENCLAW_PLUGIN_CATALOG_PATHS` (or `OPENCLAW_MPM_CATALOG_PATHS`) at one or more JSON files (comma/semicolon/`PATH`-delimited). Each file should contain `{ "entries": [ { "name": "@scope/pkg", "openclaw": { "channel": {...}, "install": {...} } } ] }`. ## Plugin IDs Default plugin ids: - Package packs: `package.json` `name` - Standalone file: file base name (`~/.../voice-call.ts` → `voice-call`) If a plugin exports `id`, OpenClaw uses it but warns when it doesn’t match the configured id. ## Config ```json5 { plugins: { enabled: true, allow: ['voice-call'], deny: ['untrusted-plugin'], load: { paths: ['~/Projects/oss/voice-call-extension'] }, entries: { 'voice-call': { enabled: true, config: { provider: 'twilio' } }, }, }, } ``` Fields: - `enabled`: master toggle (default: true) - `allow`: allowlist (optional) - `deny`: denylist (optional; deny wins) - `load.paths`: extra plugin files/dirs - `entries.`: per‑plugin toggles + config Config changes **require a gateway restart**. Validation rules (strict): - Unknown plugin ids in `entries`, `allow`, `deny`, or `slots` are **errors**. - Unknown `channels.` keys are **errors** unless a plugin manifest declares the channel id. - Plugin config is validated using the JSON Schema embedded in `openclaw.plugin.json` (`configSchema`). - If a plugin is disabled, its config is preserved and a **warning** is emitted. ## Plugin slots (exclusive categories) Some plugin categories are **exclusive** (only one active at a time). Use `plugins.slots` to select which plugin owns the slot: ```json5 { plugins: { slots: { memory: 'memory-core', // or "none" to disable memory plugins }, }, } ``` If multiple plugins declare `kind: "memory"`, only the selected one loads. Others are disabled with diagnostics. ## Control UI (schema + labels) The Control UI uses `config.schema` (JSON Schema + `uiHints`) to render better forms. OpenClaw augments `uiHints` at runtime based on discovered plugins: - Adds per-plugin labels for `plugins.entries.` / `.enabled` / `.config` - Merges optional plugin-provided config field hints under: `plugins.entries..config.` If you want your plugin config fields to show good labels/placeholders (and mark secrets as sensitive), provide `uiHints` alongside your JSON Schema in the plugin manifest. Example: ```json { "id": "my-plugin", "configSchema": { "type": "object", "additionalProperties": false, "properties": { "apiKey": { "type": "string" }, "region": { "type": "string" } } }, "uiHints": { "apiKey": { "label": "API Key", "sensitive": true }, "region": { "label": "Region", "placeholder": "us-east-1" } } } ``` ## CLI ```bash openclaw plugins list openclaw plugins info openclaw plugins install # copy a local file/dir into ~/.openclaw/extensions/ openclaw plugins install ./extensions/voice-call # relative path ok openclaw plugins install ./plugin.tgz # install from a local tarball openclaw plugins install ./plugin.zip # install from a local zip openclaw plugins install -l ./extensions/voice-call # link (no copy) for dev openclaw plugins install @openclaw/voice-call # install from npm openclaw plugins update openclaw plugins update --all openclaw plugins enable openclaw plugins disable openclaw plugins doctor ``` `plugins update` only works for npm installs tracked under `plugins.installs`. Plugins may also register their own top‑level commands (example: `openclaw voicecall`). ## Plugin API (overview) Plugins export either: - A function: `(api) => { ... }` - An object: `{ id, name, configSchema, register(api) { ... } }` ## Plugin hooks Plugins can ship hooks and register them at runtime. This lets a plugin bundle event-driven automation without a separate hook pack install. ### Example ``` import { registerPluginHooksFromDir } from "openclaw/plugin-sdk"; export default function register(api) { registerPluginHooksFromDir(api, "./hooks"); } ``` Notes: - Hook directories follow the normal hook structure (`HOOK.md` + `handler.ts`). - Hook eligibility rules still apply (OS/bins/env/config requirements). - Plugin-managed hooks show up in `openclaw hooks list` with `plugin:`. - You cannot enable/disable plugin-managed hooks via `openclaw hooks`; enable/disable the plugin instead. ## Provider plugins (model auth) Plugins can register **model provider auth** flows so users can run OAuth or API-key setup inside OpenClaw (no external scripts needed). Register a provider via `api.registerProvider(...)`. Each provider exposes one or more auth methods (OAuth, API key, device code, etc.). These methods power: - `openclaw models auth login --provider [--method ]` Example: ```ts api.registerProvider({ id: 'acme', label: 'AcmeAI', auth: [ { id: 'oauth', label: 'OAuth', kind: 'oauth', run: async (ctx) => { // Run OAuth flow and return auth profiles. return { profiles: [ { profileId: 'acme:default', credential: { type: 'oauth', provider: 'acme', access: '...', refresh: '...', expires: Date.now() + 3600 * 1000, }, }, ], defaultModel: 'acme/opus-1', }; }, }, ], }); ``` Notes: - `run` receives a `ProviderAuthContext` with `prompter`, `runtime`, `openUrl`, and `oauth.createVpsAwareHandlers` helpers. - Return `configPatch` when you need to add default models or provider config. - Return `defaultModel` so `--set-default` can update agent defaults. ### Register a messaging channel Plugins can register **channel plugins** that behave like built‑in channels (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.). Channel config lives under `channels.` and is validated by your channel plugin code. ```ts const myChannel = { id: 'acmechat', meta: { id: 'acmechat', label: 'AcmeChat', selectionLabel: 'AcmeChat (API)', docsPath: '/channels/acmechat', blurb: 'demo channel plugin.', aliases: ['acme'], }, capabilities: { chatTypes: ['direct'] }, config: { listAccountIds: (cfg) => Object.keys(cfg.channels?.acmechat?.accounts ?? {}), resolveAccount: (cfg, accountId) => cfg.channels?.acmechat?.accounts?.[accountId ?? 'default'] ?? { accountId, }, }, outbound: { deliveryMode: 'direct', sendText: async () => ({ ok: true }), }, }; export default function (api) { api.registerChannel({ plugin: myChannel }); } ``` Notes: - Put config under `channels.` (not `plugins.entries`). - `meta.label` is used for labels in CLI/UI lists. - `meta.aliases` adds alternate ids for normalization and CLI inputs. - `meta.preferOver` lists channel ids to skip auto-enable when both are configured. - `meta.detailLabel` and `meta.systemImage` let UIs show richer channel labels/icons. ### Write a new messaging channel (step‑by‑step) Use this when you want a **new chat surface** (a “messaging channel”), not a model provider. Model provider docs live under `/providers/*`. 1. Pick an id + config shape - All channel config lives under `channels.`. - Prefer `channels..accounts.` for multi‑account setups. 2. Define the channel metadata - `meta.label`, `meta.selectionLabel`, `meta.docsPath`, `meta.blurb` control CLI/UI lists. - `meta.docsPath` should point at a docs page like `/channels/`. - `meta.preferOver` lets a plugin replace another channel (auto-enable prefers it). - `meta.detailLabel` and `meta.systemImage` are used by UIs for detail text/icons. 3. Implement the required adapters - `config.listAccountIds` + `config.resolveAccount` - `capabilities` (chat types, media, threads, etc.) - `outbound.deliveryMode` + `outbound.sendText` (for basic send) 4. Add optional adapters as needed - `setup` (wizard), `security` (DM policy), `status` (health/diagnostics) - `gateway` (start/stop/login), `mentions`, `threading`, `streaming` - `actions` (message actions), `commands` (native command behavior) 5. Register the channel in your plugin - `api.registerChannel({ plugin })` Minimal config example: ```json5 { channels: { acmechat: { accounts: { default: { token: 'ACME_TOKEN', enabled: true }, }, }, }, } ``` Minimal channel plugin (outbound‑only): ```ts const plugin = { id: 'acmechat', meta: { id: 'acmechat', label: 'AcmeChat', selectionLabel: 'AcmeChat (API)', docsPath: '/channels/acmechat', blurb: 'AcmeChat messaging channel.', aliases: ['acme'], }, capabilities: { chatTypes: ['direct'] }, config: { listAccountIds: (cfg) => Object.keys(cfg.channels?.acmechat?.accounts ?? {}), resolveAccount: (cfg, accountId) => cfg.channels?.acmechat?.accounts?.[accountId ?? 'default'] ?? { accountId, }, }, outbound: { deliveryMode: 'direct', sendText: async ({ text }) => { // deliver `text` to your channel here return { ok: true }; }, }, }; export default function (api) { api.registerChannel({ plugin }); } ``` Load the plugin (extensions dir or `plugins.load.paths`), restart the gateway, then configure `channels.` in your config. ### Agent tools See the dedicated guide: [Plugin agent tools](/plugins/agent-tools). ### Register a gateway RPC method ```ts export default function (api) { api.registerGatewayMethod('myplugin.status', ({ respond }) => { respond(true, { ok: true }); }); } ``` ### Register CLI commands ```ts export default function (api) { api.registerCli( ({ program }) => { program.command('mycmd').action(() => { console.log('Hello'); }); }, { commands: ['mycmd'] }, ); } ``` ### Register auto-reply commands Plugins can register custom slash commands that execute **without invoking the AI agent**. This is useful for toggle commands, status checks, or quick actions that don't need LLM processing. ```ts export default function (api) { api.registerCommand({ name: 'mystatus', description: 'Show plugin status', handler: (ctx) => ({ text: `Plugin is running! Channel: ${ctx.channel}`, }), }); } ``` Command handler context: - `senderId`: The sender's ID (if available) - `channel`: The channel where the command was sent - `isAuthorizedSender`: Whether the sender is an authorized user - `args`: Arguments passed after the command (if `acceptsArgs: true`) - `commandBody`: The full command text - `config`: The current OpenClaw config Command options: - `name`: Command name (without the leading `/`) - `description`: Help text shown in command lists - `acceptsArgs`: Whether the command accepts arguments (default: false). If false and arguments are provided, the command won't match and the message falls through to other handlers - `requireAuth`: Whether to require authorized sender (default: true) - `handler`: Function that returns `{ text: string }` (can be async) Example with authorization and arguments: ```ts api.registerCommand({ name: 'setmode', description: 'Set plugin mode', acceptsArgs: true, requireAuth: true, handler: async (ctx) => { const mode = ctx.args?.trim() || 'default'; await saveMode(mode); return { text: `Mode set to: ${mode}` }; }, }); ``` Notes: - Plugin commands are processed **before** built-in commands and the AI agent - Commands are registered globally and work across all channels - Command names are case-insensitive (`/MyStatus` matches `/mystatus`) - Command names must start with a letter and contain only letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores - Reserved command names (like `help`, `status`, `reset`, etc.) cannot be overridden by plugins - Duplicate command registration across plugins will fail with a diagnostic error ### Register background services ```ts export default function (api) { api.registerService({ id: 'my-service', start: () => api.logger.info('ready'), stop: () => api.logger.info('bye'), }); } ``` ## Naming conventions - Gateway methods: `pluginId.action` (example: `voicecall.status`) - Tools: `snake_case` (example: `voice_call`) - CLI commands: kebab or camel, but avoid clashing with core commands ## Skills Plugins can ship a skill in the repo (`skills//SKILL.md`). Enable it with `plugins.entries..enabled` (or other config gates) and ensure it’s present in your workspace/managed skills locations. ## Distribution (npm) Recommended packaging: - Main package: `openclaw` (this repo) - Plugins: separate npm packages under `@openclaw/*` (example: `@openclaw/voice-call`) Publishing contract: - Plugin `package.json` must include `openclaw.extensions` with one or more entry files. - Entry files can be `.js` or `.ts` (jiti loads TS at runtime). - `openclaw plugins install ` uses `npm pack`, extracts into `~/.openclaw/extensions//`, and enables it in config. - Config key stability: scoped packages are normalized to the **unscoped** id for `plugins.entries.*`. ## Example plugin: Voice Call This repo includes a voice‑call plugin (Twilio or log fallback): - Source: `extensions/voice-call` - Skill: `skills/voice-call` - CLI: `openclaw voicecall start|status` - Tool: `voice_call` - RPC: `voicecall.start`, `voicecall.status` - Config (twilio): `provider: "twilio"` + `twilio.accountSid/authToken/from` (optional `statusCallbackUrl`, `twimlUrl`) - Config (dev): `provider: "log"` (no network) See [Voice Call](/plugins/voice-call) and `extensions/voice-call/README.md` for setup and usage. ## Safety notes Plugins run in-process with the Gateway. Treat them as trusted code: - Only install plugins you trust. - Prefer `plugins.allow` allowlists. - Restart the Gateway after changes. ## Testing plugins Plugins can (and should) ship tests: - In-repo plugins can keep Vitest tests under `src/**` (example: `src/plugins/voice-call.plugin.test.ts`). - Separately published plugins should run their own CI (lint/build/test) and validate `openclaw.extensions` points at the built entrypoint (`dist/index.js`).