Getting Started

Goal: go from zero to a first working chat with minimal setup.

Info: Fastest chat: open the Control UI (no channel setup needed). Run openclaw dashboard and chat in the browser, or open http://127.0.0.1:18789/ on the gateway host (the machine running the OpenClaw gateway service). Docs: Dashboard and Control UI.

Prereqs

Node 24 recommended (Node 22 LTS, currently 22.16+, still supported for compatibility)

Tip: Check your Node version with node --version if you are unsure.

Quick setup (CLI)

Step 1: Install OpenClaw (recommended)

  #### macOS/Linux
    ```bash
    curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash
    ```
    <img

src=“https://cdn.openclaws.io/public/docs/assets/install-script.svg” alt=“Install Script Process” class=“rounded-lg” />

  #### Windows (PowerShell)
    ```powershell
    iwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1 | iex
    ```



> **Note:** Other install methods and requirements: [Install](/docs/install).

Step 2: Run the onboarding wizard

```bash
openclaw onboard --install-daemon
```

The wizard configures auth, gateway settings, and optional channels.
See [Onboarding Wizard](/docs/start/wizard) for details.

Step 3: Check the Gateway

If you installed the service, it should already be running:

```bash
openclaw gateway status
```

Step 4: Open the Control UI

```bash
openclaw dashboard
```

Check: If the Control UI loads, your Gateway is ready for use.

Optional checks and extras

Run the Gateway in the foreground

Useful for quick tests or troubleshooting.

```bash
openclaw gateway --port 18789
```

Send a test message

Requires a configured channel.

```bash
openclaw message send --target +15555550123 --message "Hello from OpenClaw"
```

Useful environment variables

If you run OpenClaw as a service account or want custom config/state locations:

OPENCLAW_HOME sets the home directory used for internal path resolution.
OPENCLAW_STATE_DIR overrides the state directory.
OPENCLAW_CONFIG_PATH overrides the config file path.

Full environment variable reference: Environment vars.

Go deeper

Onboarding Wizard (details) — Full CLI wizard reference and advanced options.
macOS app onboarding — First run flow for the macOS app.

What you will have

A running Gateway
Auth configured
Control UI access or a connected channel

Next steps

DM safety and approvals: Pairing
Connect more channels: Channels
Advanced workflows and from source: Setup