OpenClaw is a conversation-first AI bot that runs locally on your machine. This guide walks you through installing it, connecting an AI model, wiring up WhatsApp, and sending your first message. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.

Before You Start

Make sure you have these ready:

  • WhatsApp account — installed on your phone from whatsapp.com
  • Node.js installed — download from nodejs.org
  • Terminal / Command Line access — you’ll need to run a few commands

New to the terminal? On macOS, open “Terminal” from Spotlight. On Windows, use PowerShell or install WSL for the best experience. On Linux, use your default terminal app.

Install OpenClaw

Two ways to install — pick whichever you prefer.

The install script auto-detects your OS and sets everything up.

macOS / Linux:

curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash

Windows — install WSL first, then run the same command in a WSL terminal:

wsl --install

Restart your computer after WSL installs. Then open a WSL terminal and run:

curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash

Option B: Install via npm

If you already have Node.js, you can install OpenClaw globally with npm:

macOS / Linux:

npm install -g openclaw

Windows (PowerShell as Administrator):

npm install -g openclaw

Windows note: If you get permission errors, run PowerShell as Administrator or use WSL instead.

Choose QuickStart

After installation, an interactive setup wizard launches. When prompted for onboarding mode, select QuickStart (press Spacebar, then Enter). This uses safe defaults so you can get running fast.

Tip: The installer handles everything automatically — no need to clone repos or edit config files at this stage.

Select Your AI Model

Choose which AI brain powers your bot.

Pick a model provider

After QuickStart completes, OpenClaw will prompt you to select a model. Supported providers include:

  • Google (Gemini) — via Google Antigravity OAuth
  • Claude (Anthropic) — recommended if you have a Max subscription
  • OpenAI (GPT)
  • Other supported providers

Authenticate

For Google: select Google Antigravity OAuth, then log into your Gmail account when prompted. For other providers, you’ll paste an API key.

Choose your model

Once authenticated, you’ll see a list of available models (e.g., gemini-3-flash). Pick whichever works for you.

Heads up: Google has updated Antigravity’s usage terms. Using it with third-party tools like OpenClaw may violate their ToS. Review the latest terms or consider using Claude as your provider instead.

Connect to WhatsApp

Link your WhatsApp so you can chat with your bot from your phone.

Select WhatsApp as your channel

When OpenClaw asks you to set up a chat interface, select WhatsApp from the list of available platforms.

Scan the QR code

OpenClaw will display a QR code in your terminal. On your phone:

  1. Open WhatsApp on your phone
  2. Go to Settings → Linked Devices
  3. Tap “Link a Device”
  4. Point your camera at the QR code in the terminal

Enter your phone number

After scanning, OpenClaw will ask for your personal phone number (with country code, e.g. +15551234567). This creates a self-chat where you can text your AI assistant directly.

Tip: OpenClaw recommends using a separate phone number when possible, but your personal number works fine too. Your bot will only respond to your allowlisted number by default.

Other platforms: OpenClaw also supports Telegram, Discord, Slack, iMessage, Signal, and more. The setup flow is similar — just select your preferred platform during onboarding.

QR code expired? WhatsApp QR codes are short-lived. If it times out, just run openclaw channels login in your terminal to get a new one — no need to redo the full setup.

Skills & API Keys

These are optional extras you can skip for now.

Skills setup

When asked to configure skills (tools your bot can use), press Yes, select npm as the package manager, then choose “Skip for now”. You can add skills later.

API keys

OpenClaw will ask if you have additional API keys (e.g., Brave Search). Select “No” for each — you can always add them later.

Hooks

Skip hooks for now too. These are advanced automation triggers you can configure once you’re comfortable with the basics.

Run & Test Your Bot

Time to hatch your bot and see it in action.

Choose your interface

OpenClaw gives you two ways to interact:

  • TUI (Terminal UI) — recommended for first-time setup. Runs directly in your terminal.
  • Control UI — a browser-based dashboard. Paste the Web UI link from your terminal into any browser.

Hatch your bot

Select “Hatch in TUI” and press Enter. Your bot will ask you a few personality questions:

  • What should the bot be named?
  • What can it call you?
  • Any personality traits?

After answering, your bot will confirm setup with a personalized response. You’re live!

Test on WhatsApp

Open WhatsApp and send yourself a message. Your query and OpenClaw’s response should appear in all three places: the terminal, the web UI, and WhatsApp. If you see responses in all three — you’re live!

Give your bot the ability to search the internet.

Get a Brave Search API key

  1. Go to the Brave Web Search API console
  2. Create an account and navigate to the API tab
  3. Copy your API key

Send the key to your bot

In your WhatsApp chat, ask your bot how to enable web search. It’ll walk you through it. Paste the Brave API key when prompted. Your bot can now search the web!

Pro tip: Ask your bot conversationally! Say something like “How can I let you search the web?” — OpenClaw is conversation-first, so it’ll guide you through the process.

Safety & Best Practices

OpenClaw runs locally and can access your system. Be thoughtful about permissions.

  • Run OpenClaw as a non-privileged user (not root/admin)
  • Keep its working files in a dedicated directory
  • Avoid connecting to public or shared chats initially
  • Be explicit when asking it to read or write files
  • Test new capabilities on a disposable system or VM first

Remember: OpenClaw will do exactly what it’s told — even if the instruction is vague or risky. Treat it like running shell scripts: powerful and useful, but be careful with permissions.

You’re All Set!

Your OpenClaw bot is up and running. Start chatting and explore what it can do.