How to Install OpenClaw: Complete Setup Guide 2026

OpenClaw is an open-source AI assistant that connects large language models to messaging channels like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Discord. Whether you want full control with a local install or zero-setup convenience, this guide covers every way to install OpenClaw in 2026.

This complete OpenClaw installation guide walks you through three methods: local Docker install, VPS install, and managed 1-click deploy via clawoneclick.com.

Key takeaway: Local Docker install takes 5 minutes. Managed deploy via clawoneclick.com takes under 60 seconds with zero configuration.

Jump: Requirements | Local Install | VPS Install | 1-Click Deploy | FAQ.

System Requirements

Before installing OpenClaw, check that your system meets these minimum requirements.

Requirement	Minimum	Recommended
RAM	2 GB	4 GB+
Storage	5 GB free	10 GB+
OS	Linux, macOS, Windows (WSL2)	Ubuntu 22.04+
Docker	24.0+	Latest
Node.js	20+	22 LTS
CPU	2 cores	4 cores

Note: If you use clawoneclick.com, no local system requirements apply - everything runs on managed infrastructure.

Install OpenClaw Locally with Docker

The recommended way to install OpenClaw on your own machine is with Docker Compose. This method works on Linux, macOS, and Windows (WSL2).

Step 1: Install Docker

Make sure Docker and Docker Compose are installed on your system.

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt update && sudo apt install docker.io docker-compose-v2 -y
sudo systemctl enable docker && sudo systemctl start docker

# macOS (with Homebrew)
brew install --cask docker
# Then launch Docker Desktop

Step 2: Clone the OpenClaw Repository

git clone https://github.com/open-claw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw

Step 3: Configure Environment Variables

Copy the example environment file and edit it with your settings.

cp .env.example .env

Key variables to set:

Variable	Description	Default
AI_MODEL	LLM provider (grok, claude, openai, local)	grok
TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN	Your Telegram bot token	(empty)
WHATSAPP_ENABLED	Enable WhatsApp channel	false
DISCORD_TOKEN	Your Discord bot token	(empty)
PORT	Gateway port	3000

Step 4: Start OpenClaw

docker compose up -d

OpenClaw starts in the background. Check logs with:

docker compose logs -f

Step 5: Verify the Installation

Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:3000. You should see the OpenClaw dashboard. Connect a messaging channel and send "Hi Claw" to test.

Total time: Approximately 5 minutes for a fresh Docker install.

Install OpenClaw on a VPS

For 24/7 uptime without running a local machine, install OpenClaw on a VPS. Budget VPS providers like Hostinger ($3/mo) and Contabo ($5/mo) work well.

Step 1: Provision a VPS

Choose a VPS with at least 2 GB RAM. Ubuntu 22.04+ is recommended.

Step 2: SSH Into Your Server

ssh root@your-server-ip

Step 3: Install Docker on the VPS

curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Step 4: Clone and Configure

git clone https://github.com/open-claw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw
cp .env.example .env
nano .env  # Set your API keys and channel tokens

Step 5: Deploy with Docker Compose

docker compose up -d

Step 6: Set Up a Reverse Proxy (Optional)

For HTTPS and a custom domain, configure Nginx or Caddy as a reverse proxy.

sudo apt install caddy -y

Your OpenClaw instance is now running 24/7 on your VPS.

Total time: 15-30 minutes depending on VPS provider setup.

Skip Installation: 1-Click Deploy with ClawOneClick

The fastest way to get OpenClaw running is to skip local installation entirely. clawoneclick.com provides managed OpenClaw hosting with 1-click deploy.

1. Visit clawoneclick.com (10s): Click "Deploy Now".
2. Connect a channel (20s): Scan QR for Telegram or click the WhatsApp link.
3. Auto-configuration (20s): Workspace, gateway, and skills load automatically.
4. Start chatting (10s): Send "Hi Claw" and your assistant is live.

No Docker. No SSH. No API keys. Everything is managed for you.

Comparison	Local Install	VPS Install	ClawOneClick
Setup Time	5 min	15-30 min	<1 min
Maintenance	Manual	Manual	Automatic
Cost	$0 (your hardware)	$3-15/mo	$39/mo
Uptime	When PC is on	24/7	24/7 (99.9% SLA)
Best For	Developers	DevOps	Everyone

Post-Installation: First Steps

After installing OpenClaw, follow these steps to get the most out of your assistant.

Connect Messaging Channels

• Telegram: Create a bot via BotFather, add the token to your config
• WhatsApp: Scan the QR code in the OpenClaw dashboard
• Discord: Create a bot in the Discord Developer Portal, add the token

Install Skills

OpenClaw comes with 50+ bundled skills, plus access to the full ClawHub skills list 2026 with 3,286+ community skills. Install the ClawHub top skills from the dashboard or config file:

• Weather and calendar
• SEO analysis and content generation
• Code review and debugging
• File management and browser automation

Browse the clawhub.ai popular skills or check the OpenClaw popular skills 2026 rankings to find the ClawHub best skills for your workflow.

Choose Your AI Model

OpenClaw is model-agnostic. Switch between providers in your config:

• Grok (default) - Fast and capable
• Claude - Strong reasoning and analysis
• OpenAI - GPT models
• Local models - Llama, Mistral via Ollama

Troubleshooting Common Install Issues

Docker permission denied

sudo usermod -aG docker $USER
# Log out and back in, then retry

Port already in use

# Change the PORT variable in .env
PORT=3001
docker compose up -d

Container fails to start

docker compose logs
# Check for missing environment variables or insufficient RAM

Cannot connect messaging channels

Verify your bot tokens are correct and that your firewall allows outbound HTTPS traffic on port 443.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to install OpenClaw on Ubuntu?

Install Docker (sudo apt install docker.io docker-compose-v2), clone the OpenClaw repo, copy .env.example to .env, configure your settings, and run docker compose up -d. The full process takes about 5 minutes.

What are the minimum requirements for OpenClaw?

OpenClaw requires 2 GB RAM minimum (4 GB recommended), Docker 24+, and Node.js 20+. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows (WSL2). For managed hosting, no local requirements apply.

Can I install OpenClaw without Docker?

Yes, OpenClaw can run directly with Node.js, but Docker is the recommended and supported installation method. Docker handles all dependencies and makes updates simpler.

How to update OpenClaw after installation?

Pull the latest changes and restart: git pull && docker compose down && docker compose up -d. On ClawOneClick, updates are applied automatically.

Is there a way to install OpenClaw without technical knowledge?

Yes. clawoneclick.com provides 1-click managed deployment with no technical setup required. No Docker, SSH, or API configuration needed.

Conclusion

Installing OpenClaw gives you a private, model-agnostic AI assistant connected to your favorite messaging channels. Choose local Docker install for full control (5 minutes), VPS install for 24/7 uptime (15-30 minutes), or skip installation entirely with clawoneclick.com (under 60 seconds). After installation, explore the ClawHub popular skills and the OpenClaw ClawHub best skills 2026 to extend your agent's capabilities.

Deploy your assistant now — join 10K+ users.

Sources: GitHub OpenClaw, Docker documentation, Hostinger, ClawOneClick (2026).