⚡ OpenClaw Quick Start

Get OpenClaw running in 5 minutes

This quick start walks you through installing OpenClaw, connecting a chat channel, and confirming your first automation. Choose the path that matches your comfort level with terminals.

$ curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash
Works on macOS, Windows & Linux. The one-liner installs Node.js and everything else for you.

Choose your path:

💻 I know terminals

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🆕 What's a terminal?

Walk me through it step by step

✅ Setup Progress

Track your progress (saved in your browser):

0 of 5 complete

1

Install

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

Or via npm: npm install -g openclaw

2

Setup

openclaw onboard

Enter your Anthropic API key and pick a channel (Telegram easiest).

3

Run

openclaw gateway

Message your bot. Done. 🦞

What's Next?

🔒 Secure It 📚 More Guides 🎨 Get Inspired

👋 New to this?

No worries! A "terminal" is just a text-based way to talk to your computer. Instead of clicking icons, you type commands. We'll guide you through each step.

1

Open Terminal

On Mac:

  1. Press Cmd + Space to open Spotlight
  2. Type "Terminal"
  3. Press Enter

A window will open with a blinking cursor. This is where you'll type commands.

On Windows:

  1. Press Win + X
  2. Click "Windows Terminal" or "PowerShell"
Tip: You can copy commands from this page and paste them into Terminal with Cmd + V (Mac) or Ctrl + V (Windows).
2

Install OpenClaw

Copy this entire line and paste it into Terminal, then press Enter:

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

This downloads and runs the installer. It will:

  • Check your system
  • Install required tools (if needed)
  • Install OpenClaw

Wait for it to finish. You'll see "Installation complete" when done.

Taking a while? The first install can take 2-5 minutes. It's downloading things in the background.
3

Get an API Key

OpenClaw needs an AI "brain" to work. You'll need an API key from Anthropic (the company that makes Claude).

  1. Go to console.anthropic.com
  2. Create an account (or sign in)
  3. Click "API Keys" in the sidebar
  4. Click "Create Key"
  5. Copy the key (starts with sk-ant-)
Cost: Anthropic charges per use (~$3/million tokens). Normal usage is a few cents to a few dollars per day.
4

Run Setup

Back in Terminal, type:

openclaw onboard

This starts a setup wizard. It will ask you:

  • API Key: Paste the key you copied from Anthropic
  • Model: Pick "Claude Sonnet" (good balance of smart + affordable)
  • Channel: Pick "Telegram" (easiest to set up)

For Telegram, it will ask for a "bot token". See the next step.

5

Create a Telegram Bot

On your phone or computer:

  1. Open Telegram
  2. Search for @BotFather and start a chat
  3. Send: /newbot
  4. Pick a name (e.g., "My Assistant")
  5. Pick a username ending in "bot" (e.g., "myassistant_bot")
  6. BotFather gives you a token — copy it!

Paste that token when the setup wizard asks for it.

6

Start OpenClaw

In Terminal, type:

openclaw gateway

You should see messages showing it's running. Leave this window open.

7

Chat with Your Bot!

In Telegram:

  1. Search for your bot's username (the one you created)
  2. Start a chat
  3. Say "Hello!"

Your AI assistant should respond! 🎉

Congrats! You now have your own AI assistant running on your computer, accessible from your phone via Telegram.

🎉 You did it!

Your OpenClaw is running. Here's what to explore next:

🔒 Secure Your Setup 📱 Telegram Tips 🎨 See What Others Built ❓ Troubleshooting

Quick Start FAQ

Do I need a server?

No. OpenClaw runs on your own machine (Mac, Windows, Linux, or Raspberry Pi). A VPS is optional if you want 24/7 uptime.

Which chat channel should I start with?

Telegram is the easiest first step. Once it's working, you can add Discord, WhatsApp, or other channels from the guides.

How do I keep my gateway secure?

Follow the Security Checklist and use Tailscale or Cloudflare Tunnel instead of opening ports.

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