openclawsetuptutorialguideinstallation

How to Set Up OpenClaw: Complete Guide (2026)

March 12, 2026·4 min read

Key Facts:

OpenClaw is free, open-source software. You need a server and an API key to run it
Self-hosted setup takes 10-30 minutes and requires Linux, SSH, and Node.js knowledge
RunMyClaw managed setup takes 5 minutes with zero coding or terminal access
Both options use BYOK (Bring Your Own Key). You pay your AI provider directly

Setting up OpenClaw is the first step to running your own AI agent on WhatsApp, Telegram, and Discord. There are two paths: do it yourself on a VPS, or use a managed service like RunMyClaw. This guide covers both.

Prerequisites

Before you start, you need:

An API key from Anthropic, OpenAI, or Google AI. Not sure which model? See our model comparison guide
A server (self-hosted) OR a RunMyClaw subscription (managed). See our hosting comparison

Option A: RunMyClaw Managed Setup (5 Minutes)

The fastest path. No terminal, no coding, no server management.

Step 1: Sign up at runmyclaw.ai with Google. Subscribe for $30/month. Your dedicated server is provisioned in ~60 seconds.

Step 2: Add your API key from the dashboard. Your key goes directly to your server with zero-knowledge security. RunMyClaw never stores it.

Step 3: Pick your AI model. Start with Gemini 3 Flash for budget or Claude Sonnet 4.6 for quality. You can switch anytime.

Step 4: Connect a channel. WhatsApp (scan QR code), Telegram (paste BotFather token), or Discord (paste bot token). See guides: WhatsApp | Telegram | Discord

Step 5: Send a message. Your AI agent responds immediately.

Option B: Self-Hosted Setup (10-30 Minutes)

Full control, but you manage everything. Requires Linux and SSH skills.

Step 1: Get a VPS. Rent a server from Hetzner ($6/mo CPX22 recommended). Ubuntu 22.04+, 4GB RAM minimum. SSH into your server.

Step 2: Install Node.js 22+. OpenClaw requires Node 22 or higher. Do not use Bun (incompatible with WhatsApp).

Step 3: Install OpenClaw. Run npm install -g openclaw@latest. Then run the setup wizard: openclaw onboard --install-daemon. This creates the config at ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json.

Step 4: Configure your model. Set your primary model: openclaw config set agents.defaults.model.primary "anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-6". Add your API key to ~/.openclaw/.env.

Step 5: Start the gateway. Run openclaw gateway --port 3000 or enable the systemd service for auto-start.

Step 6: Connect a channel. For WhatsApp: openclaw channels login --channel whatsapp and scan the QR code. For Telegram/Discord: add your bot token to the config.

Step 7: Verify. Run openclaw health --json and openclaw channels status --probe to confirm everything is running.

For full self-hosting cost details, see our hidden costs of self-hosting guide.

Choosing Your AI Model

The model determines response quality and API cost. Quick recommendations:

Use Case	Recommended Model	Cost/Message
Budget / high volume	Gemini 3 Flash	~$0.001
Customer support	Claude Haiku 4.5	~$0.007
General purpose	GPT-5.2	~$0.02
Writing / quality	Claude Sonnet 4.6	~$0.03
Maximum capability	Claude Opus 4.6	~$0.14

Full breakdown: Best AI Model for OpenClaw | API cost guide

Common Issues and Fixes

WhatsApp won't connect: Make sure the channel entry exists in openclaw.json before running the login command. Run openclaw doctor --fix if you hit errors.

Gateway crashes on start: Usually caused by invalid config keys. Check openclaw logs --follow for the specific error. Run openclaw doctor --fix to auto-repair.

Bot not responding: Verify the gateway is running (systemctl status openclaw), your API key is valid, and the channel shows "connected" in openclaw channels status --probe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to set up OpenClaw?

With RunMyClaw: 5 minutes, zero coding. Self-hosted: 10-30 minutes depending on your Linux experience. The managed option handles server provisioning, updates, and security automatically.

Do I need coding skills to use OpenClaw?

Not with RunMyClaw. The web dashboard handles everything: API keys, model selection, channel connections. Self-hosting requires SSH, terminal commands, and basic Linux knowledge.

Can I switch from self-hosted to managed later?

Yes. Your conversations and settings are tied to your OpenClaw config, not the hosting method. You can migrate by setting up a RunMyClaw instance and reconnecting your channels.

What happens after setup?

Your AI agent runs 24/7 on your server. It responds automatically to messages on connected channels. You can change models, add channels, and adjust settings anytime from the dashboard (RunMyClaw) or terminal (self-hosted).

Is OpenClaw free?

OpenClaw the software is free and open source. Running it requires a server ($5-30/mo) and an API key ($1-150+/mo). See our full cost breakdown.

Start Now

The fastest way to get OpenClaw running: RunMyClaw. $30/month, 5-minute setup, dedicated server, zero-knowledge API key security. Or self-host for full control.