OpenClaw Setup Guide: Zero to Running in 5 Minutes
This guide covers the fastest path to a working OpenClaw setup on ClawBox hardware. The whole process takes 5 minutes on a standard home network. If you're setting up on custom hardware, there's a longer path — but most people use ClawBox precisely because it skips that part.
What You'll Need
- ClawBox (comes with OpenClaw pre-installed) or a compatible Linux device with OpenClaw installed
- A phone with Telegram installed (for the bot interface)
- Home WiFi credentials or an Ethernet cable
- Optionally: API keys for Claude or OpenAI (for cloud AI capabilities)
Step-by-Step Setup
clawbox.local. If mDNS isn't working on your network, check your router's DHCP list for the device IP and use that instead.Adding Cloud AI (Optional)
By default, OpenClaw uses the local Llama 3.1 8B model. For more powerful AI responses, you can add cloud API keys. In the web panel, go to Settings → AI Models and enter your Claude or OpenAI API key. Once added, you can switch between local and cloud models from any conversation, or set rules like "use local for short tasks, cloud for complex ones."
Setting Up Email Monitoring
One of the most popular first automations: go to Settings → Integrations → Email. Enter your Gmail address and follow the OAuth flow. Once connected, you'll receive a morning briefing in Telegram with flagged emails and can reply to them with natural language commands like "reply to the message from Sarah saying I'll send the report by Friday."
Browser Automation
OpenClaw includes a built-in browser automation engine based on Playwright. Enable it in Settings → Browser. Once enabled, you can ask OpenClaw to visit websites, fill forms, and extract information. Example: "Check the price of [product URL] and tell me if it drops below €50."
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Can't reach clawbox.local: Try the IP address from your router. Or connect via Ethernet first.
- Telegram bot not responding: Check Settings → Telegram and verify the bot token is set correctly.
- Local AI is slow: Check if another process is using the GPU. Restart OpenClaw from the web panel.
- Model not found errors: The first model download happens post-setup. Wait for it to complete (check Settings → Models → Download Status).
More Tutorials
Best Practices for OpenClaw Configuration in 2026
A collection of proven configuration patterns for common use cases: home assistant, email manager, research assistant, smart home controller, and coding helper. Includes YAML config snippets and recommended model choices for each profile.
OpenClaw Telegram Bot Setup Tutorial
Deep dive into the Telegram integration: creating a bot token, setting up multi-user access, customizing response formatting, and building Telegram-triggered automations. Includes example bot commands for common workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OpenClaw?
OpenClaw is an open-source AI assistant framework that runs on Linux hardware. It combines local AI, browser automation, voice processing, and multi-platform messaging into a unified system you control with natural language.
Does OpenClaw require a subscription?
No. OpenClaw is free and open-source. Cloud AI API keys (Claude, GPT) are optional, billed by their providers at €5-20/month for moderate use. Many users run fully local with zero external costs.
Can I install OpenClaw on my own hardware?
Yes — OpenClaw runs on Ubuntu 20.04+. Installation takes 15-30 minutes on a standard Linux machine. Pre-configured ClawBox hardware skips that setup entirely.