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The ULTIMATE OpenClaw Setup Guide! 🦞

What Even IS OpenClaw??

Okay so like, imagine having your own personal AI assistant that's basically like Jarvis from Iron Man, except it's a LOBSTER. Yeah, you heard that right. A LOBSTER. 🦞

OpenClaw (which used to be called Clawdbot because lobsters have claws, get it?) is this INSANE program that lets you:

It's basically like having a super smart robot friend that lives in your computer and can help you with literally ANYTHING. My mind was BLOWN when I first set this up.

Before We Start - What You Need (The Boring But Important Part)

Okay so before we dive in, you need a few things. Don't worry, I'll explain EVERYTHING:

1. A Computer

You need one of these:

2. Node.js (Version 22 or Higher)

Now you're probably like "what the heck is Node.js??" Don't worry, I was confused too!

What is Node.js? It's basically a thing that lets your computer run JavaScript programs. JavaScript is a programming language (like how English is a language but for computers). OpenClaw is built with JavaScript, so we need Node.js to make it work.

How to check if you have it:

  1. Open your Terminal (on Mac) or Command Prompt (on Windows)

    • Mac: Press Command + Space, type "Terminal", hit Enter

    • Windows: Press Windows key, type "cmd", hit Enter

  2. Type this and press Enter: node --version

  3. If you see something like v22.1.0 or any number that starts with 22 or higher, YOU'RE GOOD!

  4. If it says "command not found" or shows a number lower than 22, you need to install it

How to install Node.js if you don't have it:

  1. Go to https://nodejs.org

  2. Download the version that says "LTS" (that means Long Term Support, which is the stable one)

  3. Run the installer (just click Next a bunch of times, it's pretty easy)

  4. Check again with node --version to make sure it worked

3. An AI Service Account

OpenClaw needs to talk to an AI service to actually be smart. You need EITHER:

Option A: Anthropic (Claude)

Option B: OpenAI (ChatGPT)

PRO TIP: Claude Opus 4.5 is REALLY good for this, so if you can afford it, I'd recommend getting Claude Pro or Max!

4. About 30 Minutes of Your Time

This setup isn't SUPER fast but it's not hard either. Just follow along step by step!

PART 1: Installing OpenClaw (The Easy Part!)

Alright, let's DO THIS! 🚀

Step 1: Open Your Terminal/Command Prompt

I already explained how to do this above, but here it is again:

Step 2: Install OpenClaw

Now here's where the MAGIC happens. We're gonna use a one-line installer that does EVERYTHING for you!

For Mac or Linux, type this EXACTLY:


curl -fsSL [https://openclaw.ai/install.sh](https://openclaw.ai/install.sh) | bash

For Windows (use PowerShell), type this:


iwr -useb [https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1](https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1) | iex

What's Happening Here?

Let me break down that weird command because I was SO confused at first:

So basically, we're downloading the installer and running it all in one command. Pretty cool, right?

Step 3: Wait For It To Install

Now you'll see a BUNCH of text scrolling by. Don't freak out! This is normal. The installer is:

  1. Downloading OpenClaw

  2. Installing all the extra stuff it needs (called "dependencies")

  3. Setting everything up

  4. Maybe installing Node.js if you didn't have it

This takes like 2-5 minutes depending on your internet speed.

Step 4: Check If It Worked

Once it's done, type this:


openclaw --version

If you see a version number (like v2025.2.14 or something), IT WORKED! 🎉

If you see "command not found", something went wrong. Try closing your terminal and opening a new one, then try again.

PART 2: The Onboarding Wizard (This Is Where It Gets FUN!)

Okay so now we have OpenClaw installed, but it doesn't know anything about YOU yet or how to connect to AI services. This is where the onboarding wizard comes in!

Step 1: Start The Wizard

Type this command:


openclaw onboard --install-daemon

What does --install-daemon mean?

A "daemon" is basically a program that runs in the background all the time. It's like having OpenClaw always ready to help you, even if you close the terminal!

Step 2: Follow The Wizard

Now the wizard is going to ask you a BUNCH of questions. I'll go through each one:

Question 1: "What should we call your assistant?"

You can name it ANYTHING you want! Some cool ideas:

Just type the name and press Enter.

Question 2: "Which AI provider do you want to use?"

This is asking which AI service you want to connect to. Use your arrow keys to select either:

Press Enter when you've selected one.

Question 3: "Enter your API key"

Okay so this is SUPER important. An API key is like a secret password that lets OpenClaw talk to the AI service.

How to get your API key:

For Anthropic/Claude:

  1. Go to https://console.anthropic.com/

  2. Sign in to your account

  3. Click on "API Keys" in the menu

  4. Click "Create Key"

  5. Copy the key (it looks like a bunch of random letters and numbers)

  6. Paste it into the terminal (you won't see it appear but trust me it's there)

  7. Press Enter

For OpenAI:

  1. Go to https://platform.openai.com/api-keys

  2. Sign in

  3. Click "Create new secret key"

  4. Copy it and paste it into the terminal

  5. Press Enter

IMPORTANT: Keep this key SECRET! Don't share it with anyone or post it online!

Question 4: "Which model do you want to use?"

This is asking which specific AI brain you want to use. The wizard will show you options like:

Use arrow keys to pick one. I recommend Claude Opus 4.5 if you can!

Question 5: "Do you want to set up messaging channels?"

This is asking if you want to connect OpenClaw to stuff like WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, etc.

You can say:

If you say yes, it'll ask you more questions about which channels you want.

Question 6: "Which channels do you want to set up?"

If you chose to set up channels, you'll see a list like:

Use Space bar to select the ones you want, then press Enter.

NOTE: Some channels need extra setup. I'll explain each one in detail later!

Question 7: "Do you want to install the gateway daemon?"

Say YES to this! The daemon makes OpenClaw run in the background all the time, so it's always ready.

Press Enter and it'll set everything up!

Step 3: Wait For Setup To Finish

The wizard will now:

  1. Create config files

  2. Set up the gateway (the thing that controls everything)

  3. Start the daemon

  4. Do some final checks

This takes like 30 seconds.

PART 3: Understanding What Just Happened

Okay so before we continue, let me explain what OpenClaw actually created on your computer:

The OpenClaw Home Folder

OpenClaw created a folder called .openclaw in your home directory. The dot at the beginning makes it hidden (sneaky!).

Where is it?

What's inside?

The Gateway

The gateway is like the control center for OpenClaw. It's a program that runs on your computer and manages everything:

It runs on port 18789 (that's like a specific door on your computer).

PART 4: Checking If Everything Works

Let's make sure everything is running properly!

Step 1: Check Gateway Status

Type this:


openclaw gateway status

You should see something like:


✓ Gateway is running

✓ Port: 18789

✓ Status: healthy

If it says "not running", type:


openclaw gateway start

Step 2: Open The Dashboard

This is SO COOL. OpenClaw has a web dashboard you can use! Type:


openclaw dashboard

This will open your web browser and show you the OpenClaw control panel! It looks super professional and you can:

If it doesn't open automatically, go to http://127.0.0.1:18789/ in your browser.

Step 3: Send Your First Message!

In the dashboard, there should be a chat box. Try typing:


Hello! Can you introduce yourself?

If the AI responds, CONGRATULATIONS!!! You just successfully set up OpenClaw! 🎉🎊🦞

PART 5: Setting Up Messaging Channels (The REALLY Cool Part!)

Okay so now you can chat with OpenClaw through the web dashboard, but the REAL magic is chatting through your regular messaging apps! Here's how to set up each one:

WhatsApp is probably the hardest one to set up but it's SO worth it!

Step 1: Start the WhatsApp login


openclaw channels login whatsapp

Step 2: Scan the QR Code

A QR code will appear in your terminal! Here's what to do:

  1. Open WhatsApp on your phone

  2. Tap the three dots (menu)

  3. Select "Linked Devices"

  4. Tap "Link a Device"

  5. Point your phone camera at the QR code on your computer screen

  6. Wait for it to connect

Step 3: Test it!

Send a message to yourself on WhatsApp (yes, you can message yourself!). Type:


Hey! Are you working?

OpenClaw should respond! How cool is that?!

IMPORTANT SAFETY THING: By default, OpenClaw will ONLY respond to numbers you've approved. This keeps random people from bothering your AI. To approve a number, use:


openclaw pairing approve whatsapp +15555551234

Setting Up Telegram (The Easiest One!)

Telegram is WAY easier than WhatsApp!

Step 1: Create a Telegram Bot

  1. Open Telegram and search for @BotFather (it's an official Telegram account)

  2. Start a chat and type /newbot

  3. Follow the instructions to name your bot

  4. BotFather will give you a token (a long string of numbers and letters)

  5. COPY THIS TOKEN!

Step 2: Add the token to OpenClaw

Open your config file:


openclaw config edit

Find the section that says channels and add this:


"telegram": {

"botToken": "paste-your-token-here"

}

Save and close the file.

Step 3: Restart the gateway


openclaw gateway restart

Step 4: Test it!

  1. Open Telegram

  2. Search for your bot (the name you gave it)

  3. Start a chat

  4. Type "Hello!"

Your bot should respond! 🤖

Setting Up Discord (For Gamers!)

Step 1: Create a Discord Bot

  1. Go to https://discord.com/developers/applications

  2. Click "New Application"

  3. Give it a name

  4. Go to "Bot" in the left menu

  5. Click "Add Bot"

  6. Click "Reset Token" and copy the token

  7. Turn on these settings:

    • Presence Intent

    • Server Members Intent

    • Message Content Intent

Step 2: Add to OpenClaw

Open config:


openclaw config edit

Add this:


"discord": {

"token": "your-bot-token-here"

}

Step 3: Invite Bot to Your Server

  1. Go back to the Discord Developer Portal

  2. Click "OAuth2" then "URL Generator"

  3. Check "bot"

  4. Check these permissions:

    • Send Messages

    • Read Messages

    • Read Message History

  5. Copy the generated URL

  6. Paste it in your browser

  7. Select a server and click Authorize

Step 4: Restart and Test


openclaw gateway restart

Now go to your Discord server and type a message to your bot!

Setting Up Other Channels

OpenClaw supports a TON of other channels:

Each one has its own setup process. Check the OpenClaw docs for specific instructions!

PART 6: Making OpenClaw REALLY Smart (Skills & Tools)

Okay so now OpenClaw can chat with you, but let's make it SUPER POWERFUL by giving it tools!

What Are Skills?

Skills are like apps that OpenClaw can use. For example:

How to Add Skills

Step 1: Browse Available Skills

Go to https://clawhub.ai to see all available skills! There are hundreds!

Step 2: Install a Skill

Let's install the web search skill as an example:


openclaw skills install web-search

Step 3: Test It

Now ask OpenClaw:


Can you search the internet for information about dinosaurs?

It should be able to search and tell you what it finds!

Cool Skills to Try

Here are some AWESOME skills I recommend:

PART 7: Advanced Stuff (For When You Get Comfortable)

Customizing Your AI's Personality

You can actually change how your AI talks! Cool right?

Step 1: Find the workspace folder


cd ~/.openclaw/workspace

Step 2: Edit the SOUL.md file

This file controls your AI's personality! Open it:


nano SOUL.md

You can add things like:


You are a friendly AI assistant who loves making jokes.

You should always be encouraging and positive.

You really like space facts and bring them up sometimes.

Save it (Ctrl+X, then Y, then Enter).

Step 3: Restart


openclaw gateway restart

Now your AI will have the personality you described!

Running OpenClaw 24/7

If you want OpenClaw running ALL THE TIME (even when you restart your computer):

On Mac/Linux:

The daemon should already do this, but to make sure:


openclaw gateway --install-daemon

On Windows:

You'll need to set up a Windows Service. This is a bit complicated, but the OpenClaw docs have instructions!

Using Multiple AI Models

You can actually use DIFFERENT AI models for different things!

Edit your config:


openclaw config edit

Add something like:


"models": {

"chat": "claude-opus-4.5",

"quick": "claude-sonnet-4.5",

"cheap": "gpt-3.5-turbo"

}

Now you can use the expensive smart model for important stuff and cheaper models for simple tasks!

PART 8: Common Problems (And How to Fix Them!)

Problem: "Command not found"

Solution: The terminal doesn't know where OpenClaw is. Try:

  1. Close terminal and open a new one

  2. Run the installer again

  3. Add OpenClaw to your PATH manually (ask a parent or teacher for help)

Problem: "Gateway won't start"

Solution: Something else might be using port 18789. Try:


openclaw gateway --port 18790

Problem: "AI isn't responding"

Solutions:

  1. Check your API key is correct

  2. Make sure you have credits/subscription with your AI service

  3. Check the logs:

    
openclaw logs

Problem: "WhatsApp keeps disconnecting"

Solution: WhatsApp is picky about staying connected. Try:

  1. Keeping your phone connected to internet

  2. Not logging out of WhatsApp

  3. Re-scanning the QR code if needed

Problem: "It's using too much money!"

Solution: You can set limits! Edit config:


"limits": {

"maxTokensPerDay": 100000,

"alertWhenOver": 50000

}

PART 9: Cool Things You Can Do With OpenClaw

Now that you're all set up, here are some AMAZING things you can try:

1. Homework Helper


Hey! Can you explain photosynthesis in a way that's easy to understand?

2. Personal Scheduler


Remind me to do my science project tomorrow at 4pm

3. Code Teacher


Can you teach me how to make a simple website with HTML?

4. Research Assistant


I'm writing a report about ancient Egypt. Can you help me find interesting facts?

5. Creative Writing Partner


Help me write a short story about a robot who wants to be a chef

6. Math Tutor


Can you explain how to solve quadratic equations step by step?

7. Language Practice


Can we practice Spanish? Let's have a conversation about food.

8. Fun Conversations


If you could be any animal besides a lobster, what would you be and why?

PART 10: Staying Safe Online

Since OpenClaw connects to the internet and messaging apps, here are some IMPORTANT safety rules:

1. NEVER Share Your API Keys

Your API key is like a password. Don't:

2. Be Careful With Personal Information

Don't tell OpenClaw:

3. Use The Pairing System

OpenClaw has a "pairing" feature that makes sure only approved people can talk to your AI. Keep it turned on!

5. Don't Rely On It For Everything

OpenClaw is SUPER smart but it can still make mistakes! Always:

PART 11: Next Steps & Resources

Where to Learn More

Ideas for Advanced Projects

Once you're comfortable, try:

  1. Build your own skill - Make OpenClaw do something unique!

  2. Set up automation - Have it do tasks automatically

  3. Create a multi-agent system - Multiple AI assistants working together!

  4. Integrate with smart home - Control lights, music, etc.

Keep Learning!

Technology is CONSTANTLY changing! Stay curious and keep experimenting. The more you play with OpenClaw, the more you will learn and grow

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