Installing OpenClaw: Complete Setup Guide for Beginners

What You Need to Install OpenClaw

Before installing OpenClaw, you need three things:

1. A computer or server. OpenClaw runs on macOS, Windows, or Linux. For 24/7 operation, you'll want a VPS (virtual private server) or an always-on machine.
2. Node.js 22 or higher. OpenClaw is built on Node.js. You'll install this first.
3. An AI provider API key. Get one from Anthropic (Claude), OpenAI (GPT), or Google (Gemini). Most offer free trial credits.

Option A: Install OpenClaw on Your Computer

The fastest way to try OpenClaw is on your local machine. This is perfect for testing and personal use.

Step 1: Install Node.js

Download Node.js 22+ from the official website or use a version manager like nvm. Verify the installation:

You should see v22.x.x or higher.

Step 2: Install OpenClaw

Install OpenClaw globally using npm:

This downloads and installs the latest version of OpenClaw.

Step 3: Run the Setup Wizard

OpenClaw includes an onboarding command that guides you through configuration:

This wizard will ask for your AI provider API key, set up the configuration file at ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json, and install the daemon for background operation.

Step 4: Connect a Messaging Channel

Follow the prompts to pair your Telegram account (or another supported channel).

Step 5: Start the Gateway

Your OpenClaw agent is now running. Open Telegram and send it a message to test.

Option B: Install OpenClaw on a VPS

For 24/7 availability, deploy OpenClaw on a virtual private server. The process is the same as above, with a few extra steps:

1. Rent a VPS from Hetzner, DigitalOcean, or any cloud provider. Minimum: 2 vCPU / 4 GB RAM.
2. Connect to your server via SSH: ssh root@your-server-ip
3. Install Node.js 22+ on the server.
4. Follow Steps 2–5 from Option A above.
5. The daemon ensures OpenClaw restarts automatically if the server reboots.

Option C: Skip the Installation Entirely

If the command line isn't your thing — or you just want to get running as fast as possible — OneClickClaw handles the entire installation automatically.

1. Sign in with Google at oneclickclaw.dev.
2. Pick your AI model (Claude, GPT, or Gemini).
3. Choose a server size.
4. Connect Telegram.
5. Click deploy.

OneClickClaw provisions a VPS, installs Ubuntu and Node.js, deploys OpenClaw, configures your AI provider, and pairs your Telegram — all automatically. Your agent is live in under 5 minutes with zero terminal usage.

After Installing OpenClaw: First Steps

Once your OpenClaw agent is running, try these first commands through Telegram:

• "What can you do?" — See the full list of available capabilities.
• "Check my email" — Connect Gmail and test email access.
• "What's on my calendar today?" — Connect your calendar.
• "Summarize this article: [URL]" — Test web browsing.
• "Remember that my preferred language is English" — Test persistent memory.

Common OpenClaw Installation Issues

• "command not found: openclaw" — Node.js global bin directory isn't in your PATH. Run npm config get prefix and add the bin subdirectory to your PATH.
• "Node.js version too old" — OpenClaw requires Node.js 22+. Update via nvm install 22 or reinstall from nodejs.org.
• Telegram pairing fails — Make sure the Gateway is running before attempting channel login. Check firewall rules if on a VPS.
• API key errors — Verify your key is valid and has credits. Check ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json for typos.