What Is OpenClaw?
OpenClaw is an open-source AI agent that runs on your own computer. Unlike ChatGPT or Claude.ai, which live in the cloud and can only talk, OpenClaw lives on your machine and can act — managing files, sending messages, browsing the web, controlling smart home devices, and running automations on a schedule.
You interact with it through the chat apps you already use: WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, iMessage, and more. It is always on, always learning, and always yours.
What You Need
- •A computer: Mac, Windows (with WSL2), or Linux. A Raspberry Pi also works.
- •Node.js 22 or higher: OpenClaw runs on Node.js.
- •An AI API key: From Anthropic (Claude), OpenAI (GPT), or a local model via Ollama.
- •10 minutes: That is genuinely all it takes.
Step 1: Install Node.js
If you do not have Node.js 22+, install it via nvm (Node Version Manager):
# macOS / Linux
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.0/install.sh | bash
source ~/.bashrc
nvm install 22
nvm use 22
# Windows (use nvm-windows from github.com/coreybutler/nvm-windows)
nvm install 22
nvm use 22
Verify: node --version should show v22.x.x or higher.
Step 2: Install OpenClaw
npm install -g openclaw@latest
Or with pnpm:
pnpm add -g openclaw@latest
Verify: openclaw --version should print the installed version.
Step 3: Run the Onboarding Wizard
openclaw onboard --install-daemon
The wizard walks you through:
- 1.API key setup: Paste your Anthropic or OpenAI API key. If you want to use a local model, you can configure Ollama later.
- 2.Chat platform: Choose which messaging app to connect first. WhatsApp is the most popular choice — you will scan a QR code to link your account.
- 3.Daemon installation: The daemon keeps OpenClaw running in the background, even after you close the terminal.
Step 4: Say Hello
Open your connected chat app (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) and send a message to your agent:
> Hi! What can you do?
Your agent will respond with a summary of its capabilities. Try a few things:
- •"What time is it in Tokyo?"
- •"Summarize this article: [paste a URL]"
- •"Remind me to call Mom at 6 PM tomorrow"
- •"Search the web for the latest OpenClaw release"
Step 5: Customize Your Agent
Set its personality
Edit ~/.openclaw/agents/default/SOUL.md to define your agent's tone and rules. For example:
You are a helpful, concise assistant. Always confirm before deleting files or sending messages.
Install skills
Skills are plugins that give your agent new abilities:
openclaw skill install web-search
openclaw skill install home-assistant
openclaw skill install github-integration
Browse available skills at the ClawHub marketplace.
Access the Web UI
OpenClaw includes a local web dashboard:
openclaw ui
This opens a browser interface where you can view conversation history, manage skills, monitor agent activity, and adjust settings.
Understanding the Architecture
You (phone/laptop)
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v
Chat Platform (WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord...)
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v
OpenClaw Gateway (runs on your machine)
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v
AI Model (Claude, GPT, Ollama, etc.)
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v
Skills & Tools (file system, web, APIs, smart home...)
Your messages flow from your chat app to the OpenClaw gateway on your machine. The gateway sends the message to an AI model for reasoning, then executes any actions using installed skills. The response flows back through the same path.
Everything runs locally except the AI model inference (unless you use Ollama for local models).
Common First-Week Questions
"Why is my agent slow to respond?" The first response after a cold start takes a few seconds as the AI model loads context. Subsequent messages in the same conversation are faster. If responses are consistently slow, check your internet connection to the AI provider.
"How much will this cost me?" Light use (a few conversations per day) typically costs $10-30/month in API fees. You can reduce costs significantly by using Claude Haiku or local models for simple tasks.
"Can I use it with multiple chat apps at once?" Yes. OpenClaw can be connected to WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, and other platforms simultaneously. Messages from all platforms are handled by the same agent.
"Is it safe?" OpenClaw runs on your machine and you control all data. Keep it updated, review skills before installing, and follow the security guide at docs.openclaw.ai/security.
Next Steps
- •Read the SOUL.md guide to customize your agent's personality
- •Explore the Skills marketplace for new capabilities
- •Join the Discord community for help and inspiration
- •Check the official documentation for advanced configuration
Welcome to the OpenClaw community. Your lobster is ready.