How to Install OpenClaw on macOS

OpenClaw (formerly Clawdbot) is an AI assistant that runs locally on your computer.
You can connect it to tools like WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, and more — while keeping your data on your own machine.

1.1 macOS Computer

You need:

• A Mac (Intel or Apple Silicon)

• Internet connection

• About 30 minutes

1.2 Install Node.js (Version 22+)

OpenClaw requires Node.js v22 or higher.

Check Your Version

1. Press Command (⌘) + Space

2. Type Terminal

3. Run:

node –version

If the version starts with v22 or higher → you’re good.

If not:

Install Node.js

1. Go to: https://nodejs.org

2. Download the LTS version

3. Install it

4. Restart Terminal

5. Check again with:

1.3 Get an AI API Key

You need an API key from either:

• Anthropic (Claude models)

• OpenAI (GPT models)

Create an account and generate an API key from their dashboard.
Keep it private.

2.1 Open Terminal

Press:

Command (⌘) + Space → Type “Terminal”

2.2 Run the Installer

Copy and paste this command exactly:

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

This will:

• Download OpenClaw

• Install dependencies

• Configure your system

Wait 2–5 minutes.

2.3 Run the Installer
After installation finishes, run:

openclaw –version

If you see a version number → installation successful 🎉
If not, close Terminal and open a new one, then try again.

3.1 Start the Setup Wizard
Run:

openclaw onboard –install-daemon

The wizard will ask:

1. Assistant name

2. AI provider (Anthropic or OpenAI)

3. Your API key

4. Which model to use

Follow the prompts.

3.2 Install the Gateway Daemon
When prompted, select Yes.

This allows OpenClaw to:

1. Run in the background
2. Start automatically
3. Stay ready at all times

4.1 Check Gateway Status

openclaw gateway status

You should see:

openclaw gateway start

If not:

✓ Gateway is running
✓ Status: healthy

4.2 Open the Dashboard

Run:

openclaw dashboard

Your browser will open at:

http://127.0.0.1:18789

You can now:

• Chat with your AI

• Check logs

• Manage settings

You can connect OpenClaw to:

• WhatsApp

• Telegram

• Discord

• Slack

Example (WhatsApp login):

openclaw channels login whatsapp

OpenClaw creates a hidden folder:

~/.openclaw

Inside you’ll find:

• Configuration files

• Credentials

• Logs

• Workspace files