Guides

Install OpenClaw

Your computer

You need a computer, internet and model access. OpenClaw is free; model replies may cost money.

Install OpenClaw

Terminal

On Ubuntu: Ctrl + Alt + T. Or open Terminal from your apps. Commands below are for Ubuntu / Debian.

Copy the command → paste here: Ctrl + Shift + V → Enter.

Paste the whole command. If the installer asks for your computer password, type it → Enter. Characters will not appear.

Terminal 
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y curl && curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash -s -- --no-onboard

Installation finished? Close and reopen the window the same way. For errors, see the help below.

Connect a model

In the new window, paste:

Terminal 
openclaw onboard --install-daemon

  1. Read the access notice. Do not connect personal accounts or important folders yet.
  2. If asked for a mode, choose QuickStart. Use arrow keys, then Enter.
  3. Choose a provider, such as OpenRouter. Create a key with a spending limit; paste it into API key, not chat. Get an OpenRouter key.
  4. Choose a model. Skip messengers and skills; leave the background service enabled.

Open chat

In the same window, run:

Terminal 
openclaw dashboard

Chat opens in your browser. Send this there, not in the command window:

OpenClaw chat 
Reply with one sentence: “Ready to go.” Do not use tools or change anything on the computer.

Got a reply? Chat works. Use the same command next time. Integrations need separate setup.

Choose a use case
If something goes wrong

The openclaw command was not found

Reopen the window; check that step 1 finished. Do not add random paths or disable protection.

Chat does not open or reply

Run these checks. Service stopped? Return to step 2. Model error? Check the key, balance and model.

Terminal 
openclaw gateway status
openclaw doctor

Share the error for help, not keys or a page URL containing a token.

Official installation help
I am installing on a remote server (VPS)

Do steps 1–2 in your host’s server console as a normal user with sudo. Here, 127.0.0.1 refers to the server. Do not expose the chat port to the internet.

Connect from your laptop through an SSH tunnel; get server details from your host.

Connect to a remote server
Sources

OpenClaw Install · Getting started.