What is OpenClaw?
Your personal AI assistant in your messaging apps
OpenClaw is like having your own ChatGPT that lives in WhatsApp, Telegram, or Discord. It runs on your own server, works 24/7, and you control all the data.
✅ What it does
- • Works in any messaging app
- • Runs on your own server
- • Available 24/7
- • Multiple AI personalities
- • You own all the data
🎯 Who it's for
- • Business owners
- • Remote workers
- • Developers
- • Anyone who wants AI on-the-go
Getting Your VPS (Hostinger)
Set up a cloud server to run OpenClaw 24/7
💡 Why Hostinger? One-click OpenClaw installation available, affordable (starting at $5/mo), 24/7 support, easy-to-use control panel. See Hostinger's official OpenClaw setup guide.
Step 1: Sign Up
- Visit Hostinger VPS Hosting (supports this guide!)
- Look for "OpenClaw Pre-Installed" option in VPS templates (if available) for instant setup, or choose any VPS plan starting from $5/month
- Select Ubuntu 22.04 LTS as your operating system
- Complete checkout
- Check your email for:
- • Server IP address
- • Root password
- • SSH access details
Step 2: Connect to Your Server
On macOS/Linux, open Terminal:
ssh root@YOUR_SERVER_IPReplace YOUR_SERVER_IP with your actual IP from the email.
🪟 Windows users: Download PuTTY, enter your server IP, and connect with username root.
Step 3: Secure Your Server (5 minutes)
Run these commands one by one:
# Update system
apt update && apt upgrade -y
# Install essentials
apt install -y curl git build-essential
# Set up firewall
ufw allow 22
ufw allow 80
ufw allow 443
ufw --force enable✅ VPS Ready! Your server is secured and ready for OpenClaw.
Installing OpenClaw
Get OpenClaw running on your VPS
Step 1: Install Node.js
OpenClaw needs Node.js 22 or higher:
# Install NVM (Node Version Manager)
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.7/install.sh | bash
# Load NVM
export NVM_DIR="$HOME/.nvm"
[ -s "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" ] && \. "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh"
# Install Node.js 22
nvm install 22
nvm use 22
nvm alias default 22
# Verify
node --version
# Should show: v22.x.xStep 2: Install OpenClaw
npm install -g openclaw@latestWait 2-3 minutes for installation to complete.
Verify installation:
openclaw --versionStep 3: Run Setup Wizard
The wizard guides you through configuration:
openclaw onboard --install-daemonGateway Location: Choose "Local (this machine)"
Authentication: Choose "API Key" and enter your Anthropic API key from console.anthropic.com
Channels: Choose WhatsApp for now (you can add others later)
System Service: Choose "Yes" to start automatically
✅ OpenClaw Installed! Save the gateway token shown at the end - you'll need it for the dashboard.
Connecting Your Messaging App
Choose WhatsApp or Telegram
Step 1: Start Login Process
openclaw channels loginA QR code will appear in your terminal!
Step 2: Scan QR Code
- Open WhatsApp on your phone
- Go to Settings → Linked Devices
- Tap Link a Device
- Scan the QR code from your terminal
Step 3: Verify Connection
openclaw statusYou should see:
✓ Gateway running
✓ WhatsApp connected
✓ AI model configured✅ WhatsApp Connected! You're ready to chat with your AI.
Your First Conversation
Test your AI assistant
Send a Test Message
- Open WhatsApp on your phone
- Message your linked device (your own number)
- Type: "Hello! Can you tell me a joke?"
- Wait for the AI response
⚠️ First Message Needs Approval
If you get a pairing code instead, approve it:
openclaw pairing list whatsapp
openclaw pairing approve whatsapp ABC123Replace ABC123 with your actual code, then message again.
🎉 It works! You're now chatting with your personal AI assistant.
Accessing the Dashboard
Manage OpenClaw via web interface
Create SSH Tunnel
On your laptop (macOS/Linux):
ssh -L 18789:localhost:18789 root@YOUR_SERVER_IPKeep this terminal window open.
Open Dashboard
In your browser, go to:
http://localhost:18789Enter your gateway token (from Step 3).
📱 Dashboard Features: Chat interface, settings, usage stats, multi-agent management, mobile device pairing.
Maintenance & Updates
Keep OpenClaw running smoothly
Common Commands
# Check status
openclaw gateway status
# Start gateway
openclaw gateway start
# Stop gateway
openclaw gateway stop
# Restart gateway
openclaw gateway restart
# View logs
openclaw gateway logsUpdate OpenClaw
# Update to latest
npm update -g openclaw
# Restart
openclaw gateway restartCheck for updates monthly.
Troubleshooting
Common issues and fixes
❌ "Command not found: openclaw"
nvm install 22
nvm use 22
npm install -g openclaw@latest❌ WhatsApp keeps disconnecting
- Make sure your phone has internet
- Don't log out from "Linked Devices"
- Restart gateway:
openclaw gateway restart - Re-login:
openclaw channels login
❌ AI not responding
# Check health
openclaw health
# Reconfigure auth
openclaw configure --section authAlso check your Anthropic API credits at console.anthropic.com
❌ Can't access dashboard
Make sure SSH tunnel is running:
ssh -L 18789:localhost:18789 root@YOUR_SERVER_IPKeep that terminal window open while using dashboard.
Security Best Practices
Keep your AI assistant secure
-
✓
Save your gateway token securely
Use a password manager. Never share it publicly.
-
✓
Limit who can message your bot
Configure allowlist in settings or use pairing approval.
-
✓
Backup your data regularly
tar -czf openclaw-backup.tar.gz ~/.openclaw/ -
✓
Keep OpenClaw updated
Check for updates monthly with
npm update -g openclaw -
✓
Monitor API usage
Set billing alerts in your Anthropic dashboard to avoid surprise charges.