How to Use and Setup OpenClaw as a Complete Beginner: Full Guide
OpenClaw (formerly Moltbot and Clawdbot) is an open-source AI assistant that runs on your machine and connects to messaging apps like Telegram, Discord, WhatsApp, and Slack. If you're a complete beginner, this guide will walk you through everything step-by-step in plain language.
By the end of this guide, you'll have a fully functional AI assistant that can chat with you, help with tasks, manage your calendar, edit documents, and even earn you money.
In This Article
- → What is OpenClaw?
- → Requirements & Prerequisites
- → Installation Path Overview
- → Path 1: Local Machine Setup
- → Path 2: VPS Installation
- → Essential Features After Setup
- → Security Best Practices
- → Troubleshooting Common Problems
- → Advanced Settings
- → FAQs
What is OpenClaw? (The Non-Technical Explanation)
Think of OpenClaw as a personal AI employee that lives on your computer or server. Unlike ChatGPT, which you access through a web browser, OpenClaw runs continuously in the background and connects to messaging apps you already use (like Telegram).
You text your AI assistant a task, and it does it—whether that's writing an email, scheduling a meeting, researching information, or managing your files.
Key Difference
OpenClaw is self-hosted, meaning it runs on your machine (not on someone else's server). You control it. You own it. You secure it.
Before You Start: What You Actually Need
Hardware Requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel i5 / Apple M1 / AMD Ryzen | Any modern processor |
| RAM | 2GB | 4-8GB |
| Disk Space | 10GB+ | 20GB+ |
| Internet | Stable connection required | |
You don't need a supercomputer. An old Mac Mini, an affordable Linux server, or even a Raspberry Pi can run OpenClaw. Most people who want 24/7 operation use a Virtual Private Server (VPS) from providers like DigitalOcean, Hostinger, or Linode (~$5-15/month).
Software Requirements
For Local Machine (Easiest Path)
- • Node.js version 22 or higher
- • Terminal access (Command Prompt on Windows, Terminal on Mac/Linux)
For Windows Users
You need WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux) instead of native Windows. WSL2 is free and takes 15 minutes to install.
For VPS Setup
- • A Linux operating system (Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04 recommended)
- • Docker (we'll install this)
- • Root or sudo access
Accounts You'll Need
1. AI Model Provider Account
Choose one:
- • OpenAI (for GPT-4)
- • Anthropic (for Claude)
- • Google (for Gemini)
- • Gradient AI (free option)
2. Messaging Platform Account
Choose one or multiple:
- • Telegram (easiest for beginners)
- • Discord
- • Slack
(Optional) VPS Account if you want 24/7 operation
Installation Path Overview: Which One is for You?
Path 1: Local Machine Installation (Easiest, Recommended for Beginners)
Time: 20-30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: Free (except AI model API costs)
Downside: Works only when your computer is on
Best For: Testing, learning, or casual use
Path 2: VPS Installation (Best for Earning Money)
Time: 30-45 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Cost: $5-15/month
Upside: Your bot runs 24/7, never goes offline
Best For: Serious use, earning money, always-available assistant
Path 3: Docker Installation (Most Flexible)
Time: 30-60 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Cost: Varies by hosting choice
Upside: Easy to manage, scalable
Best For: Advanced users, multiple deployments
Path 1: Local Machine Installation (Start Here)
Step 1: Check Your Node.js Installation
Open your terminal and run:
You need version 22 or higher. If you don't have Node.js installed, download it from nodejs.org.
Windows Users: Install WSL2 first, then install Node.js inside WSL2.
Step 2: Install OpenClaw (One Command)
Run this single command:
This installs OpenClaw globally on your system.
Step 3: Run the Onboarding Wizard
Run:
This launches an interactive setup wizard. The wizard will ask you questions and guide you through the entire setup. This is where the magic happens—it's designed to be beginner-friendly.
Step 4: Quick Start Configuration
When prompted, select "Quick Start" (recommended for beginners). This configures everything with safe defaults so you can focus on getting the bot working first.
Step 5: Choose Your AI Provider
The wizard asks: "Which AI provider do you want to use?"
For Beginners, Choose:
- • Anthropic (Claude) - Best quality, easiest API
- • Google Gemini - Free tier available
- • OpenAI - Most popular but costs more
- • Gradient AI - Free alternative
What You'll Do:
- Go to your chosen provider's website
- Sign up for an account (free to start)
- Generate an API key
- Paste the API key when the wizard asks
Don't worry if you're confused about API keys—the wizard walks you through this.
Step 6: Choose Your Messaging Platform
The wizard asks: "How do you want to chat with your AI?"
For Beginners, Choose: Telegram (easiest)
Here's What to Do:
- Download Telegram on your phone or computer
- Open Telegram and search for @BotFather
- Click "Start" and send the command:
/newbot - Give your bot a name (e.g., "MyAIAssistant")
- Give your bot a username (must end with
_bot, e.g., "MyAIAssistant_bot") - BotFather will give you a token (a long string of characters)
- Copy this token and paste it into the OpenClaw wizard
If You Want to Use Discord, WhatsApp, or Slack Instead: The process is similar but slightly different. The wizard will guide you, or check the official docs.
Step 7: Authorize Your User ID
The wizard asks: "Who is allowed to talk to this bot?"
This is a security feature. Only people with the right ID can talk to your bot.
- Open Telegram and search for @userinfobot
- Click "Start"
- It will show you a number (your Telegram ID)
- Copy this number and paste it into the OpenClaw wizard
Now only you can command your bot. (You can add more IDs later if you want others to use it.)
Step 8: Skills Configuration (You Can Skip This for Now)
The wizard asks: "Do you want to install skills?"
Skills are special abilities—like sending emails, managing calendars, writing files, etc.
For your first setup: Press spacebar on "Skip for now" and hit Enter. You can install skills later once you're comfortable.
Step 9: API Keys (Optional for Now)
The wizard might ask for additional API keys (for features like web search). You can select "No" for now and add these later when you need them.
Step 10: Hooks Configuration
The wizard asks about "hooks." For beginners, select "Skip" and press Enter.
Step 11: Launch Your Bot
Select "Hatch in TUI" (TUI = Terminal User Interface). This starts your bot and runs it in the terminal where you can see what it's doing.
The bot will ask you:
- What's your bot's name?
- What should it call you?
Answer these simple questions, and your bot is alive!
Step 12: Start Chatting
Open Telegram, find the bot you created, and send it a message:
Your bot should respond! Try giving it a task:
🎉 Congratulations! Your OpenClaw bot is now running and responding to your messages.
Accessing the Control UI (Web Dashboard)
Instead of using the terminal, you can also control OpenClaw through a web dashboard called the Control UI.
How to Access It:
- When OpenClaw is running, look at the terminal output
- You'll see a message like: "Gateway running at http://127.0.0.1:18789/?token=..."
- Copy the entire URL (including the token)
- Paste it into your web browser
- You now have a beautiful web dashboard where you can chat with your bot, manage settings, and monitor activity
The Control UI makes everything more visual and easier to use.
Path 2: VPS Installation (For 24/7 Operation & Earning Money)
If you want your bot running 24/7 (essential for earning money), you need a VPS (Virtual Private Server).
Step 1: Choose and Buy a VPS
Popular Beginner-Friendly Providers:
- • DigitalOcean ($5-7/month)
- • Hostinger ($3-6/month)
- • Linode ($5-10/month)
Specifications to Look For:
- • Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04
- • At least 2GB RAM (4GB recommended)
- • At least 10GB storage
- • Root/sudo access
Some providers offer 1-Click Deploy OpenClaw (DigitalOcean, Hostinger) which pre-installs everything. This is the easiest option if available.
Step 2: Access Your VPS via SSH
You receive login credentials. Open your terminal and run:
Replace your_server_ip with your actual server IP.
Step 3: Update Your System
Run:
This ensures your system is current.
Step 4: Install Node.js
Run:
Step 5: Install OpenClaw
Run:
Step 6: Run the Onboarding Wizard
Run:
Follow the same steps as the local installation (Steps 4-11 above).
Step 7: Keep OpenClaw Running 24/7
This is important. Your VPS will keep running, but OpenClaw needs a special tool to stay active.
Use PM2 (a process manager):
npm install -g pm2
pm2 start openclaw -- run
pm2 startup
pm2 save
Now OpenClaw will restart automatically if it crashes and will start again when your server reboots.
Step 8: Access Your Bot Remotely
Your bot is now running on your server. You still chat with it the same way (via Telegram, Discord, etc.). The difference is it's running on a distant server, not your laptop.
Essential Features After Setup: What Can Your Bot Do?
1. Web Search
Your bot can search the internet and report back what it finds.
How to Enable: Sign up for Brave Search API (free tier available), get your API key, tell your bot: "I want to enable web search. Here's my API key: [paste]". Your bot will save it and can now search the web.
2. File Operations
Your bot can create, edit, and manage files on your computer.
Example: "Research the top 10 AI tools and save them to a file called ai_tools.md" — Your bot researches and creates the file.
3. Calendar & Email (Google Workspace)
Your bot can manage your Google Calendar, send emails, and edit Google Docs.
How to Enable: Go to Google Cloud Console, create a project, enable the Calendar API and Gmail API, create service account credentials, provide the credentials to OpenClaw.
Warning: This is more technical. YouTube tutorials are your friend here.
4. Custom Skills
Skills are like plugins that add new abilities.
Installing Skills: Run openclaw skills list, browse available skills, install ones you want: openclaw skills install skill-name
Popular beginner skills: Email sending, weather information, reminder setting, file management
Security: Critical Things to Know
OpenClaw runs on your machine and has access to your computer. This is powerful but requires caution.
1. Only Authorize Trusted Users
Only add Telegram/Discord/WhatsApp IDs of people you trust. Anyone with access to your bot can command it.
2. Limit Bot Permissions
Don't enable file access, email, or calendar access unless you really need them. Each permission increases risk.
3. Run Security Scans
OpenClaw has a built-in security checker: openclaw security:audit — Run this occasionally to check for vulnerabilities.
4. Use VPS Instead of Laptop
Running OpenClaw on a VPS is safer than your personal laptop because the server is isolated from your personal data.
5. Restart After Updates
When you add new skills or change settings, restart the gateway: openclaw restart
6. Monitor Activity
Regularly check the Control UI dashboard to see what your bot has been doing. Look for unexpected activity.
Troubleshooting: Common Beginner Problems
Problem: "OpenClaw command not found"
Solution: Node.js didn't install properly. Run:
npm --version
If either shows an error, reinstall Node.js from nodejs.org.
Problem: "Control UI won't open"
Solution: Check that OpenClaw is still running (you should see terminal output). Try the localhost URL directly: http://127.0.0.1:18789/. Restart OpenClaw: openclaw restart
Problem: "Bot won't respond on Telegram"
Solution: Make sure your Telegram user ID is configured (check with @userinfobot). Make sure you pasted the right token from @BotFather. Check that your API key (OpenAI/Anthropic) is valid and has credits. Restart OpenClaw.
Problem: "Bot keeps crashing"
Solution: Check available RAM: free -h (Linux) or Activity Monitor (Mac). If low on RAM, close other applications. Check logs: The terminal output shows error messages. For VPS: Use PM2 to keep it running automatically.
Problem: "Gateway says 'connection refused'"
Solution: This usually means your API key is invalid. Try a fresh API key from your AI provider. Run openclaw onboard again to update settings. Make sure your API provider account has credits/balance.
Problem: "I want to move from local machine to VPS"
Solution: Set up OpenClaw fresh on the VPS (the process is identical). Don't worry about transferring settings—it takes 20 minutes to set up fresh. You lose no data because everything is recreated in onboarding.
Getting Money-Making Features Running
If you want to use OpenClaw to earn money, you need:
1. Always-On Bot
VPS required. Your bot must run 24/7. Local machine won't cut it for clients.
2. Web Search Enabled
Many tasks require research. Enable Brave Search API.
3. File Operations Enabled
You need to create deliverables (documents, code, etc.)
4. Multiple Skills Installed
Depending on your income strategy, install relevant skills.
5. Secure Setup
Never run money-making operations on unsecured local installations.
Advanced Settings (Once You're Comfortable)
Using Local Models Instead of API Keys
Want to avoid API costs? Use a local model with OpenClaw.
Options:
- • Ollama (easiest)
- • LM Studio (user-friendly)
- • text-generation-webui (most flexible)
Once installed, you can point OpenClaw to your local model instead of OpenAI/Anthropic.
Downside: Local models are slower and lower quality than cloud APIs.
Upside: No per-message costs, complete privacy.
Running Multiple Agents
You can create multiple OpenClaw instances (agents) doing different jobs.
Use Case:
- • Agent 1: Content writing bot
- • Agent 2: Automation bot
- • Agent 3: Research bot
Each has different skills and specializations.
Scaling to Teams
Once comfortable, you can share your bot with team members by adding their Telegram/Discord IDs.
Warning: This requires proper security measures.
FAQ: Common Beginner Questions
Q: Do I need to be technical to use OpenClaw?▼
No. The onboarding wizard handles 90% of setup. You just answer questions. If you can copy-paste and click buttons, you can set up OpenClaw.
Q: How much does it cost?▼
- • OpenClaw itself: Free
- • VPS (if you want 24/7): $5-15/month
- • AI API usage: Depends on how much you use. Claude costs ~$0.003 per message. Most casual users spend $5-20/month.
- • Total: $0-35/month depending on your setup
Q: Can I run it on my Mac?▼
Yes. Macs work great. Just install Node.js and run the npm command. Many users run OpenClaw on Mac Minis left on 24/7.
Q: What about Windows?▼
Windows needs WSL2. Native Windows doesn't work reliably with OpenClaw. WSL2 is free and works great.
Q: How long does setup take?▼
- • Local machine: 20-30 minutes
- • VPS: 30-45 minutes
- • Answering quiz questions: ~10 minutes
- • Getting your first response: <1 minute after setup
Q: Can I stop using it whenever I want?▼
Yes. Just stop the process. Your data is saved locally, and you can restart anytime.
Q: What if I'm worried about security?▼
- Start on a local machine (safer than VPS)
- Only add trusted user IDs
- Don't install skills you don't need
- Run security audits occasionally
- Use DigitalOcean or Hostinger VPS (reputable providers)
Q: Can I use OpenClaw without any coding?▼
Absolutely. You don't write code. You just configure settings through the wizard and chat with your bot. Skills are pre-built and you install them (no coding needed).
Q: What if I mess up the setup?▼
You can:
- Delete the OpenClaw config folder:
rm -rf ~/.openclaw(on Mac/Linux) - Run
openclaw onboardagain from scratch - Everything resets, no harm done
Setup is meant to be re-doable.
Q: Can I switch AI providers later?▼
Yes. Run openclaw onboard again anytime to switch from Claude to GPT-4 or vice versa.
Q: Do I need to keep the terminal open?▼
- • Local machine: Yes, keep it open while using your bot
- • VPS: No, it runs in the background
- • Control UI: No, you access via web browser instead
Q: Can I use OpenClaw without Telegram?▼
Yes. You can use Discord, WhatsApp, Slack, or just the web-based Control UI. The setup wizard lets you choose your platform.
Q: What's the difference between TUI and Control UI?▼
- • TUI (Terminal UI): Everything in your terminal window
- • Control UI: Beautiful web dashboard in your browser
- • Both do the same thing. Use whichever you prefer.
Q: Should I install all available skills?▼
No. Install only what you'll use. Each skill adds complexity and potential security risk. Start with zero skills and add them as needed.
Next Steps After Setup
Day 1: Get Comfortable
- • Chat with your bot naturally
- • Give it a few simple tasks
- • Learn how it responds to different prompts
Day 2-3: Enable One Feature
- • Enable web search
- • Learn to ask research questions
- • See how your bot formats responses
Day 4-5: Install One Skill
- • Choose one skill relevant to your use case
- • Install it and test it
- • Read the skill documentation
Week 2: Plan Your Use
- • What will you use this bot for?
- • What tasks could save you the most time?
- • Are you using it just for yourself or earning money?
Week 3+: Optimize
- • Add more skills as you identify needs
- • Set up automations
- • If earning money, start taking clients
Resources & Getting Help
Official Documentation
- • Docs: docs.openclaw.ai
- • GitHub: github.com/openclaw/openclaw
- • Discord Community: 60,000+ members
Video Tutorials
- • Search YouTube for "OpenClaw setup tutorial"
- • Many creators have step-by-step walkthroughs
- • Follow along at your own pace
Final Thoughts
OpenClaw is powerful but not complicated. The onboarding wizard handles the hard parts. You just answer questions and follow instructions.
Most people successfully set up OpenClaw on their first try. If you get stuck, the Discord community is incredibly helpful.
Start with the local machine installation. Once you're comfortable, move to VPS for 24/7 operation. Then, once you've got the basics down, you're ready to start the income-generating strategies from our previous guide.
You've got this. Welcome to the future of personal AI.
Last Updated: February 2026
Note: OpenClaw is actively developed and changes frequently. If you notice this guide is outdated, check the official docs at docs.openclaw.ai for the latest information.
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