Automating Voice Calls with OpenClaw

I have often found that standard notifications like emails or Slack messages are too easy to ignore. When an urgent system event happens, sometimes you need to reach someone directly through a phone call to ensure the message gets through immediately.

If you are looking for a way to script these interactions without a complex setup, the openclaw voicecall command is exactly what you need. I use it to automate outbound alerts and manage ongoing call sessions directly from the terminal.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

• The voice-call plugin installed.
• The plugin enabled in your OpenClaw configuration.

Quick Start

The voicecall command only appears in your CLI once the plugin is active. Here is the fastest path to getting a call out and managing it.

1. Trigger a notification call

To start a simple automated call, use the call command. I recommend using the notify mode for one-way alerts.

openclaw voicecall call --to "+15555550123" --message "Hello" --mode notify

2. Monitor and update the call

Once a call is active, you can check its progress or send additional messages to the recipient. Use the call-id returned from your initial command.

# Check the current status
openclaw voicecall status --call-id <id>

# Send a follow-up message
openclaw voicecall continue --call-id <id> --message "Any questions?"

3. End the session

When the interaction is finished, you can manually terminate the call.

openclaw voicecall end --call-id <id>

4. Expose webhooks for Tailscale

If you need to handle incoming data or webhooks through Tailscale, you can use the expose command. I suggest using serve instead of funnel whenever your network allows it for better security.

# Use Tailscale Serve (Preferred)
openclaw voicecall expose --mode serve

# Use Tailscale Funnel
openclaw voicecall expose --mode funnel

# Stop exposing the endpoint
openclaw voicecall unexpose

Troubleshooting

Command not found

If you type openclaw voicecall and get an error, the voice-call plugin is likely missing or disabled. This command is plugin-provided and does not exist in the base installation. Check your plugin settings to ensure it is loaded.

Security and Webhooks

Only expose your webhook endpoints to networks you trust. If you are using the expose command, remember that mode funnel opens the endpoint to the public internet, while mode serve keeps it restricted to your Tailscale network.

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If you need help configuring your specific environment, check out the AI Setup Assistant.

What’s Next

• Voice Call Plugin Documentation