How to Install OpenClaw: Complete Beginner Guide (2026)
Installing OpenClaw is simpler than most people expect. In about 30 minutes, you can go from a blank server to a fully operational AI agent platform. This guide walks you through the entire process — from choosing a VPS provider to running your first agent. No prior server experience is required. We have helped hundreds of students through this process in the CampeloClaw course, and the most common feedback is: "That was way easier than I thought."
What You Need
- ✓A computer with internet access (Mac, Windows, or Linux)
- ✓A VPS (Virtual Private Server) account — we recommend Hetzner, Contabo, or DigitalOcean
- ✓A credit card for VPS billing (plans start at $5/month)
- ✓An API key from at least one AI provider (Claude, OpenAI, or Gemini)
- ✓About 30 minutes of uninterrupted time
Step-by-Step Guide
Choose and set up your VPS
Start by creating an account with a VPS provider. Hetzner offers excellent value with their CX22 plan (2 vCPU, 4GB RAM, 40GB storage) for about $5/month. When creating your server, select Ubuntu 22.04 or later as the operating system. Choose a data center location close to your primary user base for best performance. Once created, the provider will give you an IP address and root password — save these somewhere secure.
Connect to your server via SSH
Open your terminal (Mac/Linux) or download an SSH client like PuTTY (Windows). Connect to your server by typing: ssh root@YOUR_IP_ADDRESS. Enter the password when prompted. You are now connected to your VPS. If this is your first time using a terminal, do not worry — you will only need a handful of commands, and we will tell you exactly what to type.
Update the system and install prerequisites
Before installing OpenClaw, update your server packages. Run: apt update && apt upgrade -y. This ensures your system has the latest security patches. Then install the required dependencies. OpenClaw needs Node.js, Git, and a few other tools. The exact commands depend on your OS version, but the OpenClaw documentation and CampeloClaw course provide copy-paste-ready commands for every step.
Clone and install OpenClaw
Download OpenClaw from its official repository using Git. Navigate to the installation directory and run the setup script. The installer handles database setup, environment configuration, and dependency installation automatically. During setup, you will be prompted to enter your AI provider API keys and basic configuration options. Follow the prompts — they are self-explanatory.
Configure your first agent
Once OpenClaw is installed, access the web dashboard at your server's IP address. Create your first agent by providing a name, selecting an AI model, and writing your initial Soul.md instructions. Start simple: give the agent a basic personality, your business information, and a few rules for how it should respond. You can always refine these later.
Connect a communication channel
Choose your first integration — WhatsApp, Telegram, or email are the most popular starting points. Each has a straightforward setup process. For WhatsApp, you will need a WhatsApp Business API account. For Telegram, create a bot through BotFather. For email, configure AgentMail with your email credentials. The CampeloClaw course covers each integration with detailed walkthroughs.
Test and go live
Send your agent a test message through the connected channel. Verify it responds correctly and appropriately. Test edge cases — what happens with unusual questions? How does it handle topics outside its knowledge? Adjust the Soul.md instructions based on your testing. Once satisfied, your agent is live and ready to serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- !Choosing a VPS with insufficient RAM — OpenClaw needs at least 2GB RAM to run smoothly
- !Forgetting to set up a firewall — always secure your server before exposing it to the internet
- !Writing Soul.md instructions that are too vague — specific instructions produce specific, accurate behavior
- !Not testing thoroughly before going live — spend time sending diverse test messages
- !Skipping the backup setup — configure regular backups from day one
Want the full walkthrough? This guide covers the essentials, but the CampeloClaw course provides detailed video instruction for every step, troubleshooting guides, and hands-on practice exercises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the full installation take?
From creating a VPS account to having a working agent: approximately 30 minutes for the technical setup, plus 30-60 minutes for configuring your agent with business knowledge. The CampeloClaw course walks you through every step with video instructions.
Can I install OpenClaw on my own computer instead of a VPS?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended for production use. Your computer would need to stay on 24/7, and your home internet may not have the reliability needed. A VPS at $5-10/month provides professional-grade uptime.
What if I get stuck during installation?
The CampeloClaw course includes detailed video walkthroughs for every step. Our student community also provides peer support for installation questions.
Related Pages
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