Feb 20 (edited) • Getting Started
🚀 Getting Started: Install OpenClaw on a VPS in Under 10 Minutes
New here? This is the fastest way to get OpenClaw up and running on your own server.
You'll need two things:
2. An API key from an AI provider (Anthropic, OpenAI, Gemini, or xAI)
Step 1: Get a VPS
If you don't have a VPS yet, grab one from Hostinger. They have a one-click OpenClaw template built right into their Docker Manager, so you don't need to mess around with the command line.
The KVM 2 plan is more than enough to run OpenClaw comfortably.
Step 2: Deploy OpenClaw
If you're buying a new VPS:
• Head to the Hostinger VPS marketplace and select OpenClaw
• Choose your plan, click Deploy
• OpenClaw is automatically pre-selected as the application
• Complete the purchase
If you already have a Hostinger VPS:
1. Go to your hPanel → Docker Manager (install it if you haven't already)
2. Navigate to the Catalog section
3. Search for OpenClaw and click Deploy
Step 3: Configure Your Environment
During deployment, you'll see a configuration screen where you can add all your LLM API keys.
⚠️ Important: Copy your OPENCLAW_GATEWAY_TOKEN before moving on. You'll need it to log in. If you forget, you can find it later in Docker Manager → your project → Environment section.
You only need ONE AI provider key to get started. You can always add more later.
Step 4: Wait for Deployment
Docker will pull the OpenClaw image and start the container. This usually takes 1-2 minutes. Wait until the status shows "Running".
Step 5: Access OpenClaw
1. In Docker Manager, find your OpenClaw project
2. Note the port number assigned to the web interface
3. Open your browser and go to: http://your-vps-ip:port
4. Enter your Gateway Token and click Login
You're in! 🎉
Step 6: Connect a Messaging Channel
The quickest way to start chatting with your agent is WhatsApp:
1. In OpenClaw, go to Channels → click Show QR
2. On your phone, open WhatsApp → Settings → Linked Devices
3. Tap Link a Device and scan the QR code
If you see a "Stream Errored" message, don't panic — just go to Settings → Config → click Update, then go back to Channels. It should connect.
You can also connect Telegram, Discord, Slack, Signal and more — but WhatsApp is the easiest to get going with.
What Next?
• Give your agent a name and personality — edit SOUL.md in the workspace
• Set up a heartbeat so your agent checks in proactively
• Browse ClawHub for pre-built skills you can install
• Post in Show & Tell when you've got something cool running!
If you get stuck, post in the Help category and hopefully someone will sort you out.
Welcome aboard 🦞
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🚀 Getting Started: Install OpenClaw on a VPS in Under 10 Minutes
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