Requirements

Before you start, make sure you have:

Node.js 22 or higher
Operating System: macOS, Windows (WSL2), or Linux
AI Model Access: Anthropic Claude or OpenAI subscription
Messaging App: WhatsApp, Telegram, or Discord account

Don't have Node.js? The one-liner installer will install it for you automatically.

Installation

Choose your preferred installation method:

Option 1: One-liner (Recommended)

The easiest way - installs everything including Node.js:

curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash

Option 2: npm Global Install

If you already have Node.js 22+:

npm install -g openclaw@latest
openclaw onboard

Option 3: pnpm

pnpm add -g openclaw@latest
openclaw onboard

Option 4: From Source (Hackable)

For developers who want to customize:

git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw
pnpm install
pnpm build
openclaw onboard

Onboarding Wizard

After installation, run the onboarding wizard:

openclaw onboard --install-daemon

The wizard will guide you through:

Setting up your AI model (Claude or OpenAI)
Configuring the Gateway service
Installing the background daemon (launchd/systemd)
Basic preferences and settings

Install Daemon

The --install-daemon flag sets up OpenClaw to run automatically in the background. It will start on boot and stay running.

Pair WhatsApp

Connect your WhatsApp account to control OpenClaw:

openclaw channels login

This will display a QR code. Scan it with your WhatsApp:

Open WhatsApp on your phone
Go to Settings → Linked Devices
Tap "Link a Device"
Scan the QR code shown in terminal

Note: For Telegram, Discord, or other platforms, see the Channels documentation.

Send Your First Message

Once paired, send a message to yourself on WhatsApp:

Hello OpenClaw!

OpenClaw will respond! Try these commands:

What can you do? - See capabilities
What's the weather today? - Get information
Remind me to call Mom at 5pm - Set reminders
Check my calendar for tomorrow - Calendar access
/help - Show available commands

Slash Commands

OpenClaw supports slash commands for quick actions:

/activation always - Always respond to messages
/activation mention - Only respond when @mentioned
/skills - List available skills
/status - Check OpenClaw status

Next Steps

Congratulations! OpenClaw is now running. Here's what to explore next:

Platform-Specific Guides

Configure More Channels

Advanced Configuration

Useful Commands

# Start the gateway manually
openclaw gateway --port 18789

# Check status
openclaw doctor

# Send a test message
openclaw message send --target +1234567890 --message "Hello"

# View logs
openclaw logs

Quick Start