OpenClaw 101: Setup, Channels, Troubleshooting, and Daily Operations

What is OpenClaw and who is this guide for

OpenClaw is a self-hosted AI agent platform. You install it on a Linux server, connect it to a messaging app like Telegram or Discord, and it becomes a programmable assistant you fully own. No vendor lock-in, no monthly platform fees. The only ongoing costs are your server ($6/month is enough) and whatever model API you connect.

This page is the front door to every OpenClaw guide on Stack-Junkie. If you are new, start at the top and follow the path. If something is already broken, jump to troubleshooting. If you want to go deeper into cost control, CLI commands, or custom skills, the power user section is at the bottom. Every section links to the detailed guides that cover it.

How to install OpenClaw on a VPS

The most common way to run OpenClaw is on a small Linux VPS. DigitalOcean, Hetzner, and Vultr are the most popular picks in the community. A $6/month droplet with 1GB of RAM is enough to run one agent — OpenClaw itself is lightweight, and most of the cost goes to whichever model API you connect.

Your first decision is where to host. The cost and deployment experience vary between providers, and the VPS comparison guide breaks down the real differences. If you already have a server, skip straight to the DigitalOcean setup walkthrough (the steps apply to any Ubuntu VPS). If you want more than one agent on the same machine, the multi-agent guide covers the process.

How to connect OpenClaw to a chat app

Once OpenClaw is alive on a server, the next step is connecting it to a messaging platform so you can actually talk to it. Telegram is the most popular starting point — BotFather setup is fast, free, and we have the deepest troubleshooting coverage for it. Discord is the second most common, especially for people who already run community servers.

Each platform has its own setup flow and its own failure modes. Telegram users run into allowFrom confusion and 401 errors. Discord users hit missing intents and permission denials. The guides below are organized by platform — pick yours and follow the setup guide first, then use the error-specific articles if something goes wrong.

How to fix common OpenClaw problems

If OpenClaw is silent, crashing, or refusing to pair, start here. These are the most common failure modes, grouped by symptom rather than platform. A large percentage of readers arrive at this section through search with a specific error message, so each guide targets one problem and walks through the full fix.

How to automate OpenClaw with cron jobs and dashboards

This is where OpenClaw stops being a setup project and starts being useful. Scheduled automations, real-time dashboards, morning briefings, and repeatable workflows that run without you touching anything. If you got this far, you have a working agent. Now make it do something.

How to secure and harden your OpenClaw agent

If you rely on OpenClaw for anything real, lock it down. The gateway binds to localhost by default and requires pairing, but there are several hardening steps that most operators skip. DM policy controls who can talk to your agent and how. Skills from ClawHub run code in your environment, so read the safe skills installation guide before you install anything from the marketplace.

OpenClaw power user guides and advanced configuration

Everything above gets you to a working, secure, automated agent. This section is optional depth for operators who want tighter control. AGENTS.md is the most important customization lever — it controls how your agent reasons, responds, and handles ambiguity. Cost control matters once you run multiple sessions or use expensive models. The skills system lets you extend what the agent can do without starting from scratch.

FAQ

Is OpenClaw free to use?

OpenClaw itself is free and open source. The ongoing costs are your server hosting (as low as $6/month on DigitalOcean) and the API key for your model provider. Light usage with a budget model like GPT-4o Mini typically runs under $15/month total.

What is the cheapest way to run OpenClaw?

A $6/month DigitalOcean droplet with GPT-4o Mini as your default model. Total cost depends on usage volume, but most solo operators spend $8-20/month including hosting and API. The cost control guide covers specific optimization strategies.

Which chat app works best with OpenClaw?

Telegram for most people. Setup is free through BotFather, takes about 5 minutes, and has the most troubleshooting documentation. Discord is a close second if you already run a server. Slack, Signal, WhatsApp, and several others are also supported.

Why is my OpenClaw bot not responding?

The most common causes are incorrect allowFrom settings, an expired bot token, missing gateway pairing, or the bot lacking permission to read group messages. Start with the troubleshooting guide for the full diagnostic flow.

Can I run OpenClaw on a Raspberry Pi?

Technically yes, but a small VPS is more reliable for 24/7 operation. OpenClaw needs at least 1GB of RAM and benefits from consistent uptime. A used mini PC is a better local option than a Pi if you want to avoid cloud hosting.

How do I update OpenClaw to the latest version?

Run npm update -g openclaw and restart the gateway. Run openclaw doctor after to check for anything that needs attention.