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Getting Started

Goal: go from zero to a first working chat with minimal setup.
Fastest chat: open the Control UI (no channel setup needed). Run openclaw dashboard and chat in the browser, or open http://127.0.0.1:18789/ on the . Docs: Dashboard and Control UI.

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Prereqs

  • Node 22 or newer
Check your Node version with node --version if you are unsure.

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Quick setup (CLI)

1

Install OpenClaw (recommended)

curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash
Other install methods and requirements: Install.
2

Run the onboarding wizard

openclaw onboard --install-daemon
The wizard configures auth, gateway settings, and optional channels. See Onboarding Wizard for details.
3

Check the Gateway

If you installed the service, it should already be running:
openclaw gateway status
4

Open the Control UI

openclaw dashboard
If the Control UI loads, your Gateway is ready for use.

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Optional checks and extras

Useful for quick tests or troubleshooting.
openclaw gateway --port 18789
Requires a configured channel.
openclaw message send --target +15555550123 --message "Hello from OpenClaw"

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Useful environment variables

If you run OpenClaw as a service account or want custom config/state locations:
  • OPENCLAW_HOME sets the home directory used for internal path resolution.
  • OPENCLAW_STATE_DIR overrides the state directory.
  • OPENCLAW_CONFIG_PATH overrides the config file path.
Full environment variable reference: Environment vars.

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Go deeper

Onboarding Wizard (details)

Full CLI wizard reference and advanced options.

macOS app onboarding

First run flow for the macOS app.

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What you will have

  • A running Gateway
  • Auth configured
  • Control UI access or a connected channel

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Next steps

  • DM safety and approvals: Pairing
  • Connect more channels: Channels
  • Advanced workflows and from source: Setup