What is OpenClaw and how do I use it on Linux VPS?

What is OpenClaw?

OpenClaw is an open-source AI agent that runs on your server and allows you to automate tasks, interact with AI models, and build AI-powered workflows. 

How to install OpenClaw?

We provide an easy method to install OpenClaw to new Linux VPS and existing Linux VPS.

For new Linux VPS:

You can purchase a Linux VPS on our website and install the OpenClaw add-on with no additional costs. Just need to choose the OpenClaw template when ordering it, we will handle the installation for you. Once we finish it, you will receive a notification. Then you will need to do 2 things:

1. Connect to your VPS through SSH.

2. Complete OpenClaw onboarding, for detailed steps, please kindly refer to step 4 in the section "For existing Linux VPS" below.

For existing Linux VPS:

Below you will find detailed guidelines on installing and starting OpenClaw manually（This article uses Ubuntu as an example）. 

Step 1: Connect to your server through SSH.

Step 2: Update all packages.

sudo apt update

Step 3: Install OpenClaw(make sure curl is installed, if not, run 'sudo apt install curl' first).

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

That’s it — the script handles Node detection, installation, and onboarding. Like this screenshot:

Step 4: Complete the OpenClaw onboarding

During onboarding, you will be guided through several steps, including:

1. Security warning

   • You must confirm that you understand OpenClaw is powerful and potentially risky.

   • OpenClaw can read files and run actions if tools are enabled.

2. Onboarding mode

   • QuickStart (recommended): Configure basic settings that can be adjusted later.

   • Manual: Full configuration during onboarding.

3. Model and authentication provider

   • Select your AI provider (e.g. OpenAI).

   • Choose the authentication method.

   • Enter a valid API key for the selected provider. A valid API key is required for OpenClaw to function.

     ⚠️ Important: OpenClaw may use third-party APIs (such as OpenAI), which can result in additional usage-based costs. Please note that you are responsible for securing your server, API keys, and for how OpenClaw is used.

4. Channel selection

   • Choose how OpenClaw will receive messages (e.g. Telegram, WhatsApp, Discord, etc.).

   • You can also skip this step and configure channels later.

5. Skill configuration

   • You may be prompted to configure skills.

   • Some skills require additional dependencies or API keys.

   • You can skip optional skills and enable them later.

And so on... You can configure OpenClaw as you need, also, you can easily change above settings anytime.

After installation：

• Add npm global bin dir to path.

echo 'export PATH="$(npm config get prefix)/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

• Verify everything is working

openclaw doctor         # check for config issues
openclaw status         # gateway status
openclaw dashboard      # open the browser UI​