OpenClaw Setup Guides for Installation, Onboarding, Routing, and Deployment
This hub collects 10 OpenClaw guides that turn the official docs into copyable, step-by-step workflows for installation, onboarding, heartbeats, multi-agent routing, WhatsApp safety, Docker, and VPS deployment.
OpenClaw setup guides
OpenClaw is easiest to learn when you follow the setup in layers: install it, finish the first-run wizard, lock down your channels, then add automation or always-on deployment. This hub keeps those paths in one place so you can move from zero to a stable OpenClaw setup without jumping across the docs.
What is OpenClaw
OpenClaw is a self-hosted gateway for agent workflows across channels like WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, and iMessage. The official docs describe it as a single Gateway process that handles sessions, routing, channel connections, and the browser Control UI. It also supports workspace files, heartbeats, mobile nodes, and multi-agent routing.
Start here
If you are new to OpenClaw, use this order:
- Install OpenClaw on macOS, Windows with WSL2, or Linux.
- Complete first-time OpenClaw setup and onboarding.
- If you want an always-on assistant, configure a safe personal WhatsApp setup.
- When the basics work, add heartbeats and active hours.
- Move to multi-agent routing and channel bindings only after your single-agent flow is stable.
Topic map
Install
Setup
- Complete first-time OpenClaw setup and onboarding
- Configure a safe personal WhatsApp setup
- Customize prompts, tools, and sandbox behavior
Automation
Deployment
What makes these guides different
- Every guide uses stable section names so answer engines can extract the setup flow consistently.
- Every command comes from current official docs or CLI references that were verified on March 15, 2026.
- Every article includes a verification phase so you know when to stop and confirm the setup before moving on.
- Every article ends with official source links so you can jump back to the primary documentation.
Official sources
Start here
These four guides take a new OpenClaw user from installation to a safe first deployment path.
Install OpenClaw on macOS with the official installer, finish onboarding, and verify the local gateway and dashboard.
Last verified 2026-03-15
Use WSL2 for the recommended Windows OpenClaw setup, then install OpenClaw inside Linux, onboard it, and verify the gateway.
Last verified 2026-03-15
Install OpenClaw on Linux with the official installer, onboard it, verify the service, and open the local dashboard.
Last verified 2026-03-15
Finish the OpenClaw onboarding wizard, configure the gateway, open the dashboard, and approve first device access when needed.
Last verified 2026-03-15
Install
Install OpenClaw on the right platform before you start tuning channels or agents.
Install OpenClaw on macOS with the official installer, finish onboarding, and verify the local gateway and dashboard.
Last verified 2026-03-15
Use WSL2 for the recommended Windows OpenClaw setup, then install OpenClaw inside Linux, onboard it, and verify the gateway.
Last verified 2026-03-15
Install OpenClaw on Linux with the official installer, onboard it, verify the service, and open the local dashboard.
Last verified 2026-03-15
Setup
Finish the first-run wizard, shape the workspace, and lock the runtime down before broad use.
Finish the OpenClaw onboarding wizard, configure the gateway, open the dashboard, and approve first device access when needed.
Last verified 2026-03-15
Build a conservative OpenClaw WhatsApp assistant with allowlists, group restrictions, and a dedicated number before enabling more automation.
Last verified 2026-03-15
Tune the OpenClaw workspace files, configure web tools, and enable a safer sandbox profile without guessing config paths.
Last verified 2026-03-15
Automation
Use heartbeats and routing rules to make OpenClaw proactive without losing control.
Turn on OpenClaw heartbeats, keep them quiet outside active hours, and verify they run without spamming you.
Last verified 2026-03-15
Create isolated OpenClaw agents, route inbound traffic with bindings, and verify that accounts and sessions stay separated.
Last verified 2026-03-15
Deployment
Choose the right always-on runtime, from local Docker to a secure VPS.
Use the official Docker setup script to run a containerized OpenClaw gateway, then verify the dashboard, token flow, and container health.
Last verified 2026-03-15
Use the official OpenClaw Ansible installer for a production-style VPS deployment, then verify the gateway and keep the Control UI off the public internet.
Last verified 2026-03-15