🚀 Getting Started: Install OpenClaw on a VPS in Under 10 Minutes

Jason West

12h (edited) • Getting Started

New here? This is the fastest way to get OpenClaw up and running on your own server.

You'll need two things:

1. A VPS (I recommend Hostinger — it's what I use)

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.

👉 Get a Hostinger VPS here (20% off with this link)

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