diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 683b1b60307..da7c316794c 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ Docs: https://docs.openclaw.ai
 - Sandbox: add `sandbox.browser.binds` to configure browser-container bind mounts separately from exec containers. (#16230) Thanks @seheepeak.
 - Discord: add debug logging for message routing decisions to improve `--debug` tracing. (#16202) Thanks @jayleekr.
 - Discord: allow exec approval prompts to target channels or both DM+channel via `channels.discord.execApprovals.target`. (#16051) Thanks @leonnardo.
+- Slack/Discord: add `dmPolicy` + `allowFrom` config aliases for DM access control; legacy `dm.policy` + `dm.allowFrom` keys remain supported and `openclaw doctor --fix` can migrate them.
 - Telegram: add poll sending via `openclaw message poll` (duration seconds, silent delivery, anonymity controls). (#16209) Thanks @robbyczgw-cla.
 
 ### Fixes
diff --git a/docs/gateway/configuration-reference.md b/docs/gateway/configuration-reference.md
index e2e61d2ba48..0dfe7eb66ae 100644
--- a/docs/gateway/configuration-reference.md
+++ b/docs/gateway/configuration-reference.md
@@ -186,13 +186,9 @@ WhatsApp runs through the gateway's web channel (Baileys Web). It starts automat
         moderation: false,
       },
       replyToMode: "off", // off | first | all
-      dm: {
-        enabled: true,
-        policy: "pairing",
-        allowFrom: ["1234567890", "steipete"],
-        groupEnabled: false,
-        groupChannels: ["openclaw-dm"],
-      },
+      dmPolicy: "pairing",
+      allowFrom: ["1234567890", "steipete"],
+      dm: { enabled: true, groupEnabled: false, groupChannels: ["openclaw-dm"] },
       guilds: {
         "123456789012345678": {
           slug: "friends-of-openclaw",
@@ -276,13 +272,9 @@ WhatsApp runs through the gateway's web channel (Baileys Web). It starts automat
       enabled: true,
       botToken: "xoxb-...",
       appToken: "xapp-...",
-      dm: {
-        enabled: true,
-        policy: "pairing",
-        allowFrom: ["U123", "U456", "*"],
-        groupEnabled: false,
-        groupChannels: ["G123"],
-      },
+      dmPolicy: "pairing",
+      allowFrom: ["U123", "U456", "*"],
+      dm: { enabled: true, groupEnabled: false, groupChannels: ["G123"] },
       channels: {
         C123: { allow: true, requireMention: true, allowBots: false },
         "#general": {