Install OpenClaw ClawdBot with npm or curl, complete onboarding wizard, and start your autonomous AI agent. Supports macOS, iOS, Android.
OpenClaw ClawdBot offers two straightforward installation methods: npm (Node Package Manager) for users familiar with Node.js, and curl (one-line shell script) for those who prefer automated installation. Both methods install the same software and take under 10 minutes to complete.
Install via Node Package Manager for fine-grained control and easy updates.
npm install -g openclaw@latest
npm update -g openclawOne-line automated installation script handles all dependencies.
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash
Supported: macOS, iOS, Android
Linux support available (experimental)
Required: 500MB minimum
Additional space for skills and data
Required: Claude, GPT, or other supported model
Or use local Ollama models (no API key needed)
The npm installation method is recommended for users familiar with Node.js and those who want precise control over their OpenClaw installation. This method integrates seamlessly with existing Node.js development workflows.
OpenClaw requires Node.js 16.x or higher. Check your Node.js version:
node --version
If you need to install or update Node.js, download from nodejs.org and follow the installation instructions for your operating system.
Run the npm install command with global flag (-g) to make OpenClaw available system-wide:
npm install -g openclaw@latest
The @latest tag ensures you install the most recent stable version. Installation typically takes 1-2 minutes depending on your internet connection.
Confirm OpenClaw installed successfully by checking the version:
openclaw --version
You should see output displaying the installed version number (e.g., v2026.2.6 or later).
npm update -g openclaw to install the latest versionnpm uninstall -g openclaw to removenpm list -g openclaw to see current versionsudo npm install -g openclaw@latestThe curl installation method is the fastest path to running OpenClaw. The automated script detects your system configuration, installs necessary dependencies, and sets up OpenClaw with sensible defaults.
Run the one-line installation command in your terminal:
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash
The script will automatically download OpenClaw, install dependencies, and configure the environment. This process typically takes 2-3 minutes.
The installation script automatically handles:
You may be prompted for administrator password on macOS/Linux systems to install system-level dependencies.
After the script completes, verify OpenClaw is installed correctly:
openclaw --version
If the command is not found, you may need to restart your terminal or run source ~/.bashrc (or source ~/.zshrc for zsh) to reload your shell configuration.
Before running any script from the internet with curl | bash, it's good practice to:
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh (without piping to bash)The official OpenClaw installation script is open-source and regularly audited, but users should always exercise caution with automated installation scripts.
After installing OpenClaw, run the openclaw onboard command to launch an interactive setup wizard that guides you through configuration in under 10 minutes. The wizard configures your AI model, integrations, personality, and security settings.
openclaw onboard
Launch the interactive onboarding wizard
Select your preferred AI model from supported options:
The wizard explains each model's strengths and helps you choose based on your use case.
Enter your API keys for the chosen AI model provider:
API keys are stored securely in your local environment variables and never transmitted to OpenClaw servers.
Select which messaging platforms to integrate with your agent:
For each platform, the wizard guides you through authentication and connection setup. You can skip platforms and add them later.
Define your agent's personality through the SOUL.md configuration file:
The wizard creates an initial SOUL.md file that you can refine later for more advanced customization.
Configure security boundaries and permission limits:
Start with restrictive permissions and expand as you become comfortable with the agent's behavior.
The wizard concludes with a test phase:
Any configuration errors are identified and corrected before completing setup.
After completing the wizard, OpenClaw Gateway starts automatically. Your agent is now running and ready to receive commands through configured messaging platforms or the web interface.
After installation and onboarding, verify that OpenClaw ClawdBot is functioning correctly using these diagnostic commands and checks.
Verify the installed OpenClaw version:
openclaw --version
Expected output: Version number (e.g., v2026.2.6 or later)
Confirm OpenClaw Gateway is running:
openclaw status
Expected output: Gateway: Running with uptime and connection information
Open the OpenClaw web dashboard in your browser:
http://127.0.0.1:18789/
Expected result: Web dashboard loads showing agent status, recent activity, and configuration options
Solution:
source ~/.bashrc (or ~/.zshrc)Solution:
openclaw logs for error messagesopenclaw restartSolution:
Solution:
openclaw statushttp://localhost:18789/ insteadWhile the core installation process is similar across platforms, each operating system has specific considerations and optimizations for running OpenClaw ClawdBot.
Status: Fully supported (primary development platform)
Follow the npm or curl installation method above. macOS is the primary development platform for OpenClaw and has the most comprehensive feature support.
# Install via Homebrew (if available)
brew install openclaw
# Or use npm
npm install -g openclaw@latest
Status: Supported with special setup
iOS has more restrictive app sandboxing than macOS, requiring specific configuration:
Status: Supported with community contributions
Android support is robust with some platform-specific optimizations:
# In Termux app
pkg update && pkg upgrade
pkg install nodejs
npm install -g openclaw@latest
openclaw onboard
After successful installation and onboarding, customize your OpenClaw ClawdBot setup to match your specific needs and workflow requirements.
Refine your agent's personality beyond the onboarding wizard defaults:
~/.openclaw/SOUL.md to customize personality in detailExtend your agent's capabilities by installing skills:
Implement security best practices to protect your agent and data:
127.0.0.1)Connect additional services and platforms beyond onboarding:
Protect your agent configuration and data with backups:
~/.openclaw/ directory regularlyNow that OpenClaw is installed and configured, test your agent with these recommended first steps. These activities help you understand agent capabilities and build confidence in autonomous operations.
Send simple commands to your agent through a configured messaging platform:
Verify the agent responds appropriately and executes tasks correctly.
Add foundational skills to expand agent capabilities:
Install from ClawHub or official repository, always reviewing code first.
If you skipped any platforms during onboarding, add them now:
openclaw add-integration
Follow prompts to authenticate and connect additional messaging services. Test each integration with a simple message.
Set up a simple autonomous action to demonstrate agent independence:
Observe how the agent executes periodic tasks without prompting.
Before heavy usage, audit your security configuration:
Make adjustments based on your security requirements and risk tolerance.