How to Set Up OpenClaw in 2026
OpenClaw is an open-source AI assistant that runs on a server and connects to Telegram, Discord, or WhatsApp. It can browse the web, manage files, run code, and remember everything. Here are your three options for getting it running.
Three ways to run OpenClaw
| Option | Setup time | Cost | Skill needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-host on VPS | 2-7+ hours | $5-24/mo + API keys | High (Linux, SSH, Docker) |
| One-click VPS template | 20-60 minutes | $6-13/mo + API keys | Medium (some terminal use) |
| Managed (PlugAndClaw) | Under 1 minute | $39.50/mo ($20 credits included) | None |
Option 1: Self-host on a VPS
This gives you full control but requires Linux experience. You will need to manage security updates, firewall configuration, and API keys yourself.
Step 1: Get a VPS
Rent a VPS from Hetzner ($5-7/mo), DigitalOcean ($6-12/mo), or similar. Minimum specs: 2 vCPU, 4GB RAM, 20GB disk, Ubuntu 24.04. You need root/sudo access.
Step 2: Install dependencies
SSH into your server and install Node.js 22+:
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash - sudo apt-get install -y nodejs sudo apt-get install -y chromium-browser ffmpeg
Step 3: Install OpenClaw
npm install -g openclaw@latest openclaw setup
Step 4: Configure Telegram
Create a bot with @BotFather on Telegram, then add the token to your OpenClaw config:
# In ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json
{
"channels": {
"telegram": {
"enabled": true,
"botToken": "YOUR_BOT_TOKEN",
"dmPolicy": "pairing"
}
}
}Step 5: Add API keys
You need API keys from at least one AI provider: Anthropic (Claude), OpenAI (GPT), or Google (Gemini). These cost $5-200+/month depending on usage. OpenClaw has no built-in spending caps, so monitor your usage carefully.
Step 6: Secure your server
Configure UFW firewall, set up fail2ban, bind the gateway to loopback only, set up HTTPS with Caddy or nginx, configure trusted proxies. This step alone can take 1-3 hours if you are not experienced with server hardening.
Step 7: Start OpenClaw
openclaw gateway install openclaw gateway start
Send /start to your bot in Telegram. If everything is configured correctly, you will see a pairing code.
Common issues with self-hosting
- • Chromium crashes on low-RAM VPSes (need at least 4GB)
- • Gateway port accidentally exposed to the internet (security risk)
- • API costs spiral without spending caps ($200 bills overnight with Opus)
- • OpenClaw updates break config (need to test before updating)
- • Websites block your datacenter IP when browsing (Cloudflare, Akamai)
Option 2: One-click VPS template
Providers like Hostinger and Contabo offer pre-configured OpenClaw images. You get a VPS with OpenClaw pre-installed, but you still configure channels, API keys, and handle ongoing maintenance.
Step 1: Choose a provider
Hostinger ($6-13/mo) has the most polished one-click OpenClaw template. Contabo ($5-12/mo) is cheaper but less documented. Both give you a VPS with OpenClaw ready to configure.
Step 2: Create your VPS
Select the OpenClaw template during VPS creation. The server boots with OpenClaw installed and basic config in place. This saves 1-3 hours vs doing it from scratch.
Step 3: Configure channels and API keys
SSH in and add your Telegram bot token and AI provider API keys. Same process as self-hosting (steps 4 and 5 above), but the base installation is already done.
Step 4: Maintain it
You are still the sysadmin. Apply OS updates, update OpenClaw when new versions release, monitor disk space, and manage API costs. "One-click" means day one, not day thirty.
Option 3: Fully managed with PlugAndClaw
No terminal, no SSH, no server management. Sign in, pick a model, pay, connect your Telegram bot, and your dedicated server is live in under a minute.
Step 1: Sign in with Google
Go to plugandclaw.com, pick your AI model, and sign in with Google.
Step 2: Complete checkout
$39.50/month. Includes a dedicated Hetzner VPS with LUKS encryption and $20 in AI credits (Claude, GPT, Gemini, and 3 more models). Cancel anytime.
Step 3: Create your Telegram bot
Open @BotFather in Telegram, send /newbot, pick a name, and paste the token into the setup page. Takes about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Done
Your dedicated server provisions automatically. Send /start to your bot in Telegram and say hi. That is it. No SSH, no config files, no API key management. We handle updates, backups, and security.
What you get with PlugAndClaw
- • Dedicated Hetzner VPS (2 vCPU, 4GB RAM, 40GB SSD) - not shared
- • LUKS2 full-disk encryption with unique key per user
- • 6 AI models: Claude Opus, Sonnet, GPT-5.2, Gemini Flash, Kimi K2.5, Minimax M2.5
- • $20/month in AI credits included, no top-up fees
- • Bring your own API keys if you want (bypasses our proxy)
- • Daily automated backups
- • Automatic OpenClaw updates
- • 7-day money-back guarantee
Skip the setup. Get OpenClaw running now.
Dedicated server, encrypted disk, $20 in credits, live in under 1 minute.
⚡ Deploy OpenClaw Now$39.50/month · 7-day money-back guarantee · Cancel anytime