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# OpenClaw Installation Guide: Run Your AI Agent 24/7
- URL: https://buildwire.ai/blog/openclaw-installation-guide-run-your-ai-agent-24-7/
- Published: 2026-02-05T15:08:24.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-14T07:31:12.000Z
- Description: A complete guide to setting up OpenClaw on a cloud server so it runs continuously—even when your computer is off.
- Author: Rananjay Raj
- Tags: #beehiiv, #Migrated-1781422191461, #Import 2026-06-14 13:00

## Table of Contents

1. **What is OpenClaw?**
2. **Prerequisites**
3. **Option A: Google Cloud Free Tier (FREE)**
4. **Option B: Hostinger VPS (Paid - $5/month)**
5. **Post-Installation: Configure OpenClaw**
6. **Making OpenClaw Run Forever with PM2**
7. **Telegram Setup & Pairing**
8. **WhatsApp Setup (Optional)**
9. **Troubleshooting**
10. **Quick Reference Commands**

---

## What is OpenClaw?

OpenClaw (formerly Moltbot/Clawdbot) is an AI-powered automation agent that connects to messaging platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, Slack, and more. Once set up on a cloud server, it runs 24/7, responding to your messages and executing tasks even when you're asleep.

**Why run it on a server instead of your Mac/PC?**

- Runs 24/7 without keeping your computer on
- No battery drain or fan noise
- Accessible from anywhere
- More reliable than local setups

---

## Prerequisites

Before starting, you'll need:

1. **A Telegram Bot Token** — Get one from [@BotFather](https://t.me/BotFather?utm%5Fsource=theaidrivenmarketer.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=openclaw-installation-guide-run-your-ai-agent-24-7) on Telegram
2. **An AI API Key** — Either:
  - Anthropic API key from [console.anthropic.com](https://console.anthropic.com/?utm%5Fsource=theaidrivenmarketer.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=openclaw-installation-guide-run-your-ai-agent-24-7)
  - OpenRouter API key from [openrouter.ai](https://openrouter.ai/?utm%5Fsource=theaidrivenmarketer.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=openclaw-installation-guide-run-your-ai-agent-24-7)
3. **A cloud server** — Google Cloud (free) or Hostinger VPS ($5/month)

---

## Option A: Google Cloud Free Tier (FREE)

Google Cloud offers an always-free e2-micro instance that's perfect for running OpenClaw.

### Step 1: Create Google Cloud Account

1. Go to [cloud.google.com](https://cloud.google.com/?utm%5Fsource=theaidrivenmarketer.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=openclaw-installation-guide-run-your-ai-agent-24-7)
2. Click "Get started for free"
3. Sign in with your Google account
4. Enter billing information (you get $300 free credits + always-free tier)
5. Complete the setup wizard

### Step 2: Create a Virtual Machine

1. In the Google Cloud Console, click the hamburger menu (☰) in the top-left
2. Navigate to **Compute Engine** → **VM instances**
3. Click **"Create Instance"**
4. Configure your VM: **Name:** `openclaw-server` **Region:** Choose one of these FREE regions:**Machine type:** `e2-micro` (this is the FREE tier!) **Boot disk:** Click "Change"
  - `us-west1` (Oregon)
  - `us-central1` (Iowa)
  - `us-east1` (South Carolina)
  - Operating system: `Ubuntu`
  - Version: `Ubuntu 22.04 LTS` or `Ubuntu 24.04 LTS`
  - Size: `30 GB` (free tier allows up to 30GB)
5. Under **Firewall**, check:
  - ✅ Allow HTTP traffic
  - ✅ Allow HTTPS traffic
6. Click **"Create"**

Wait 1-2 minutes for your VM to spin up.

### Step 3: Connect to Your Server

1. Find your new VM in the list
2. Click the **"SSH"** button (opens a browser terminal)
3. You're now connected to your server!

Continue to [Post-Installation: Configure OpenClaw](#post-installation-configure-openclaw)

---

## Option B: Hostinger VPS (Paid)

Hostinger offers affordable VPS hosting with better performance than free tiers.

### Step 1: Purchase a VPS

1. Go to [hostinger.com/vps-hosting](https://hostinger.com/vps-hosting?utm%5Fsource=theaidrivenmarketer.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=openclaw-installation-guide-run-your-ai-agent-24-7)
2. Choose **KVM 1** plan (cheapest, sufficient for OpenClaw)
3. Select **Ubuntu 24.04** as your operating system
4. Complete checkout

You'll receive an email with your server IP and root password.

### Step 2: Connect to Your Server

**On Mac/Linux:**

```
ssh root@YOUR_SERVER_IP
```

**On Windows:** Use [PuTTY](https://www.putty.org/?utm%5Fsource=theaidrivenmarketer.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=openclaw-installation-guide-run-your-ai-agent-24-7) or Windows Terminal.

Continue to [Post-Installation: Configure OpenClaw](#post-installation-configure-openclaw)

---

## Post-Installation: Configure OpenClaw

Once connected to your server via SSH, follow these steps:

### Step 1: Update System & Install Dependencies

```
# Update system packages
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

# Install git (required for npm packages)
sudo apt install -y git

# Install Node.js 22.x
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs

# Verify installation
node --version
npm --version
```

### Step 2: Create a Dedicated User for OpenClaw

```
# Create user (as root)
sudo adduser openclaw --disabled-password --gecos ""

# Switch to the new user
sudo su - openclaw
```

### Step 3: Install OpenClaw

```
# Set up npm global directory
mkdir -p ~/.npm-global
npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'
echo 'export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

# Install OpenClaw globally
npm install -g openclaw

# Verify installation
openclaw --version
```

### Step 4: Initialize OpenClaw

```
openclaw setup
```

### Step 5: Configure OpenClaw

Run the configuration wizard:

```
openclaw configure
```

**Important settings to configure:**

1. **Gateway Location:** Select "Local (this machine)"
2. **Sections to configure:** Select these:
  - ✅ Gateway
  - ✅ Model
  - ✅ Channels
3. **Gateway settings:**
  - Port: `18789` (default)
  - Bind mode: `Loopback (Local only)`
  - Auth: `Token (Recommended)`
  - Tailscale: `Off`
4. **Model settings:**
  - Provider: `Anthropic` (recommended) or `OpenRouter`
  - Enter your API key when prompted
  - **Important:** Make sure to select an actual model like `anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-20250514` as default (NOT `openrouter/auto`)
5. **Channels:**
  - Select `Telegram (Bot API)`
  - Enter your Telegram Bot Token from @BotFather
  - DM Policy: `pairing` (recommended for security)
6. **Continue** to finish configuration

---

## Making OpenClaw Run Forever with PM2

PM2 keeps OpenClaw running 24/7, even after you close SSH.

### Step 1: Install PM2

```
# Exit to root user first
exit

# Install PM2 globally
sudo npm install -g pm2

# Switch back to openclaw user
sudo su - openclaw
```

### Step 2: Start OpenClaw with PM2

**Important:** The command is `openclaw gateway`, NOT `openclaw start`!

```
pm2 start "openclaw gateway" --name openclaw
pm2 save
```

### Step 3: Configure Auto-Start on Reboot

```
pm2 startup
```

PM2 will output a command. **Copy that command and run it as root:**

```
# Exit to root
exit

# Run the command PM2 gave you (example):
sudo env PATH=$PATH:/usr/bin /home/openclaw/.npm-global/lib/node_modules/pm2/bin/pm2 startup systemd -u openclaw --hp /home/openclaw

# Switch back to openclaw
sudo su - openclaw

# Save the process list
pm2 save
```

### Step 4: Verify OpenClaw is Running

```
pm2 status
pm2 logs openclaw --lines 20
```

You should see:

- Status: `online`
- Logs showing: `[gateway] listening on ws://127.0.0.1:18789`
- Logs showing: `[telegram] starting provider`

---

## Telegram Setup & Pairing

### Step 1: Message Your Bot

Open Telegram and send any message to your bot (the one you created with @BotFather).

### Step 2: Approve Your Account

You'll receive a message like:

```
OpenClaw: access not configured.
Your Telegram user id: 1234567890
Pairing code: ABC123XY
Ask the bot owner to approve with:
openclaw pairing approve telegram <code>
```

### Step 3: Run the Approval Command

In your SSH terminal:

bash

```
openclaw pairing approve telegram ABC123XY
```

Replace `ABC123XY` with your actual pairing code.

### Step 4: Test the Bot

Send another message to your Telegram bot. It should now respond!

---

## WhatsApp Setup (Optional)

WhatsApp integration works differently from Telegram. Instead of creating a separate bot, OpenClaw connects to YOUR personal WhatsApp account via WhatsApp Web.

**Important:** After setup, when someone messages your WhatsApp number, OpenClaw can see and respond to those messages.

### Prerequisites for WhatsApp

- WhatsApp installed on your phone
- Your phone connected to the internet
- Available linked device slot (WhatsApp allows limited linked devices)

### Step 1: Configure WhatsApp Channel

```
openclaw configure
```

1. Select **Channels** when prompted
2. Choose **WhatsApp** from the channel list
3. Set DM Policy to **pairing** (recommended for security)
4. **Continue** to finish

### Step 2: Link Your WhatsApp Account

Run this command to display the QR code:

```
openclaw channels login whatsapp --verbose
```

You'll see a QR code displayed in your terminal.

### Step 3: Scan the QR Code

1. Open **WhatsApp** on your phone
2. Go to **Settings** → **Linked Devices**
3. Tap **Link a Device**
4. Scan the QR code shown in your terminal

### Step 4: Restart OpenClaw

```
pm2 restart openclaw
```

### Step 5: Verify WhatsApp is Connected

```
pm2 logs openclaw --lines 20
```

Look for: `[whatsapp] starting provider` in the logs.

You can also check status with:

```
openclaw status
```

### Step 6: Test WhatsApp

**Option A:** Ask a friend to message your WhatsApp number

**Option B:** Message yourself:

1. Save your own phone number as a contact
2. Open WhatsApp and start a chat with yourself
3. Send a message — OpenClaw should respond

### WhatsApp Access Control

Since OpenClaw uses your personal WhatsApp, you'll want to control who it responds to.

**Set up pairing (recommended):**

When someone new messages you, they'll receive a pairing code. Approve them with:

```
openclaw pairing approve whatsapp <CODE>
```

**Check pending requests:**

```
openclaw pairing list whatsapp
```

### WhatsApp Troubleshooting

**QR code not showing:**

```
openclaw channels login whatsapp --verbose
```

**WhatsApp disconnected:** Your phone may have gone offline. Re-scan the QR code:

```
openclaw channels login whatsapp --verbose
```

**Check WhatsApp status:**

```
openclaw status
```

**Phone requirement:** Unlike Telegram bots, WhatsApp Web requires your phone to stay connected to the internet. If your phone loses connection for too long, you may need to re-link.

---

## Troubleshooting

### Error: "unknown command 'start'"

**Cause:** Using wrong command **Solution:** Use `openclaw gateway` instead of `openclaw start`

```
pm2 delete openclaw
pm2 start "openclaw gateway" --name openclaw
pm2 save
```

### Error: "Gateway start blocked: set gateway.mode=local"

**Cause:** Gateway mode not configured **Solution:** Set it manually:

```
pm2 stop openclaw
openclaw config set gateway.mode local
pm2 restart openclaw
```

Or run `openclaw configure` and select "Gateway" section.

### Error: "Unknown model: openrouter/auto"

**Cause:** Invalid default model selected **Solution:** Set a valid model:

```
pm2 stop openclaw

# Edit the config file
cat ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json | grep -A5 "model"

# Use sed to replace the model (example for Anthropic):
sed -i 's/"primary": "openrouter\/auto"/"primary": "anthropic\/claude-sonnet-4-20250514"/' ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json

pm2 restart openclaw
```

Or run `openclaw configure` → Model → select Anthropic and a specific model.

### Error: "No API key found for provider"

**Cause:** API key not configured **Solution:** Run configure and add your API key:

```
openclaw configure
```

Select "Model" and enter your Anthropic or OpenRouter API key.

### Error: "All models failed... rate\_limit"

**Cause:** API key is rate limited or invalid **Solution:**

1. Check your API key is valid at [console.anthropic.com](https://console.anthropic.com/?utm%5Fsource=theaidrivenmarketer.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=openclaw-installation-guide-run-your-ai-agent-24-7)
2. Regenerate the key if needed
3. Update in OpenClaw:

```
openclaw configure
# Select Model → Anthropic → Enter new API key
pm2 restart openclaw
```

### Error: "No pending pairing request found"

**Cause:** Pairing code expired **Solution:**

1. Message your Telegram bot again to get a new code
2. Run the approve command with the new code within 5 minutes

### Error: "npm error syscall spawn git"

**Cause:** Git not installed **Solution:**

```
sudo apt install -y git
```

### Error: "EACCES permission denied"

**Cause:** Running npm without sudo for global packages **Solution:**

```
sudo npm install -g <package>
```

### OpenClaw stops when I close SSH

**Cause:** PM2 not set up correctly **Solution:** Follow the PM2 setup section completely, including `pm2 startup` and `pm2 save`.

### How to check if OpenClaw is running

```
pm2 status
pm2 logs openclaw --lines 20
```

### How to restart OpenClaw

```
pm2 restart openclaw
```

### How to view all logs

```
pm2 logs openclaw --lines 100
# or
cat /tmp/openclaw/openclaw-$(date +%Y-%m-%d).log
```

---

## Quick Reference Commands

### Server Connection

```
# Google Cloud
gcloud compute ssh openclaw-server

# Hostinger/Direct SSH
ssh root@YOUR_SERVER_IP
sudo su - openclaw
```

### PM2 Commands

```
pm2 status                # Check if running
pm2 logs openclaw         # View live logs
pm2 restart openclaw      # Restart
pm2 stop openclaw         # Stop
pm2 delete openclaw       # Remove from PM2
pm2 save                  # Save process list
```

### OpenClaw Commands

```
openclaw --version       # Check version
openclaw configure       # Run configuration wizard
openclaw models          # View model configuration
openclaw status          # Check channel health
openclaw logs --follow   # View gateway logs
openclaw pairing approve telegram <CODE>   # Approve Telegram user
openclaw pairing approve whatsapp <CODE>   # Approve WhatsApp user
openclaw pairing list telegram             # List pending Telegram requests
openclaw pairing list whatsapp             # List pending WhatsApp requests
openclaw channels login whatsapp --verbose # Link WhatsApp (show QR code)
```

### User Switching

```
sudo su - openclaw        # Switch to openclaw user
exit                      # Switch back to previous user
whoami                    # Check current user
```

---

## What's Next?

Now that OpenClaw is running 24/7:

1. **Connect more platforms** — WhatsApp, Slack, Discord, etc.
2. **Customize your bot** — Set up skills and automations
3. **Explore the dashboard** — Run `openclaw dashboard` to access the web UI

For more information, visit the official documentation at [docs.openclaw.ai](https://docs.openclaw.ai/?utm%5Fsource=theaidrivenmarketer.beehiiv.com&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=openclaw-installation-guide-run-your-ai-agent-24-7)

---

*Created by The AI Driven Marketer*