OpenClaw Setup Guide

What is OpenClaw?

OpenClaw is a powerful automation gateway that connects WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, and iMessage to AI agents. It's like having a personal AI assistant that can respond to messages, automate tasks, and integrate with your existing tools.

What You'll Need

Everything Else You Need:

• •Node.js 22 or higher - Don't worry, we'll show you how to install this in the next step
• •A terminal app - Mac/Linux: already have it. Windows: use WSL2 (we'll explain below)

Step 1: Open Your Terminal

Step 2: Install Node.js

Copy and paste this command into your terminal, then press Enter:

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash - && sudo apt-get install -y nodejs

(Mac users with Homebrew can use: brew install node@22)

Step 3: Install OpenClaw

Now install OpenClaw globally on your system:

npm install -g openclaw

Step 4: Run the Setup Wizard

This single command starts the interactive setup wizard AND launches the OpenClaw gateway:

openclaw onboard

Step 2: Run the Setup Wizard

The friendly setup wizard will walk you through everything and can install OpenClaw to run in the background (so it's always ready when you need it).

openclaw onboard --install-daemon

Step 3: Connect Your AI Brain

OpenClaw needs to connect to Claude to work its magic. Here's the easiest way:

✨ Option A: Claude Subscription (RECOMMENDED)

Once you have a Claude subscription, OpenClaw will use your credentials automatically. The onboarding wizard will guide you through the login.

Option B: API Key (Advanced Users)

If you're comfortable with API billing and want more control, you can use an Anthropic API key:

1. 1.Go to console.anthropic.com and create an API key
2. 2.The wizard will prompt you to enter it, or set it manually:

# Store your API key securely
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="sk-ant-..."

# Or configure it via the wizard during onboarding

Step 4: Make Sure OpenClaw is Running

If you used the setup wizard, OpenClaw is probably already running in the background. Let's check:

openclaw gateway status

If it's not running, you can start it:

openclaw gateway --port 18789 --verbose

Step 5: Connect a Messaging Channel

Choose whichever platform you prefer. We've listed them from easiest to most complex:

⭐ Telegram (RECOMMENDED - Easiest!)

1. 1.Message @BotFather on Telegram
2. 2.Send /newbot and follow the prompts to name your bot
3. 3.Copy the API token BotFather gives you
4. 4.Add it to your OpenClaw config (the wizard will help with this)

Discord (Good for Teams)

Discord requires creating a bot application, which is a bit more involved but great if you want to use OpenClaw in a server with friends or teammates.

1. 1.Go to Discord Developer Portal
2. 2.Click "New Application" and give it a name
3. 3.Go to the "Bot" tab and click "Add Bot"
4. 4.Copy the bot token and save it securely
5. 5.Use the OAuth2 URL generator to create an invite link for your server

WhatsApp (Advanced)

If you still want to use WhatsApp, here's how:

openclaw channels login

This will display a QR code. Open WhatsApp on your phone → Settings → Linked Devices → Link a Device and scan the code.

Step 6: Approve Pairing Requests

By default, OpenClaw requires pairing approval for new DM conversations. This prevents unauthorized access.

When you send your first message, OpenClaw will respond with a pairing code. Approve it from the command line:

# List pending pairing requests
openclaw pairing list whatsapp

# Approve a specific code
openclaw pairing approve whatsapp <code>

Step 7: Start Chatting!

You're all set! Just message your OpenClaw assistant on the platform you connected (Telegram, Discord, or WhatsApp). Talk to it like you would a helpful friend.

Things You Can Ask It To Do:

• 📧Email summaries: "Summarize my unread emails"
• 📅Calendar management: "What's on my calendar tomorrow?"
• 🔍Web research: "Search for the latest AI news"
• 📝Note taking: "Remember that I need to call John tomorrow"
• 🎯Task automation: "Help me set up a daily morning briefing"

What Are Skills?

Think of skills as superpowers you can give to your AI assistant. Out of the box, OpenClaw can chat with you, but skills let it DO things — like check your email, create calendar events, search the web, or control smart home devices.

Recommended Skills to Get Started

Here are some popular skills that most people find useful. Your assistant can help you install and configure any of these!

Advanced Configuration

Your configuration lives at ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json

Common Configurations:

{
  "channels": {
    "whatsapp": {
      // Whitelist specific phone numbers
      "allowFrom": ["+1234567890"],
      // Require mentions in groups
      "groups": { "*": { "requireMention": true } }
    }
  },
  "messages": {
    "groupChat": {
      // Custom mention patterns
      "mentionPatterns": ["@openclaw", "@assistant"]
    }
  }
}

Useful Commands:

# Check system health
openclaw health

# View detailed status
openclaw status --all

# Security audit
openclaw security audit --deep

# Update OpenClaw
npm update -g openclaw@latest

Troubleshooting

Additional Resources

• 📚Official Documentation: docs.openclaw.ai
• 🐙GitHub Repository: github.com/openclaw/openclaw
• 💬Community & Support: Join the Discord or check GitHub Issues