How to Install OpenClaw on a Local VPS Without Subscription Fees

If you want your own private AI assistant running on your own server, not on someone else’s platform, OpenClaw might be exactly what you need.

OpenClaw is an open source AI automation platform that connects powerful AI models like Claude or GPT to messaging apps, system tools, and your own computer environment. You can chat with it through WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, and more. The best part is that you can host it on your own local VPS and avoid monthly hosting subscription fees.

In this guide, you will learn how to install OpenClaw on a local VPS step by step using simple, beginner friendly language.

What Is OpenClaw?

OpenClaw is like having a personal AI assistant that runs directly on your own server.

With OpenClaw, you can:

• Connect AI to WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, and other apps
• Run commands on your server
• Store memory and conversation history
• Keep full control over your data
• Use your own AI API keys

Instead of paying for a managed hosting service, you run everything yourself. That means no platform subscription fees. The only cost is whatever you pay to your AI provider based on usage.

What You Need Before Installing

Before starting the installation, make sure you have the following.

1. A Local VPS

This can be:

• A home server
• A spare PC running Linux
• A virtual machine such as Ubuntu on Proxmox or VirtualBox

Recommended minimum setup:

• Ubuntu 22.04 or newer
• At least 2GB RAM
• Stable internet connection

2. Node.js Version 22 or Higher

OpenClaw runs on Node.js. To check if Node.js is installed, type:

node –version

If you see v22 or higher, you are ready. If not, download Node.js from: https://nodejs.org

Install the LTS version, then check the version again.

3. An AI API Key

OpenClaw needs access to an AI model.

You can use:

• Anthropic Claude at https://console.anthropic.com
• OpenAI GPT at https://platform.openai.com/api-keys

Create an API key and keep it private. You are not paying OpenClaw itself. You only pay your AI provider based on usage.

Step by Step Installation on Your VPS

First, connect to your VPS using SSH:

ssh user@your-server-ip

Step 1: Run the Installer

On Ubuntu or Debian, run:

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

This command downloads OpenClaw, installs required dependencies, and configures everything automatically. Wait a few minutes for the process to finish.

Step 2: Verify Installation

After installation, check:

openclaw –version

If you see a version number, installation was successful. If it does not work, log out and reconnect to your VPS.

Initial Setup Using the Onboarding Wizard

Now configure OpenClaw:

openclaw onboard –install-daemon

This starts the setup wizard.

During Setup You Will Be Asked

Assistant Name

Choose any name you like.

AI Provider

Select either Anthropic or OpenAI.

API Key

Paste your secret API key.

Model Selection

Choose a model such as:

• claude opus
• claude sonnet
• gpt 4

Pick one that fits your budget.

Messaging Channels

You can enable WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, or skip for now. The wizard will then complete configuration and install the background service.

What the Wizard Creates

OpenClaw creates a hidden folder in your home directory:

~/.openclaw

Inside this folder are:

• Configuration files
• Credentials
• Logs
• Workspace data

The daemon ensures OpenClaw runs automatically in the background.

Start and Test the Gateway

Check if the gateway is running:

openclaw gateway status

If it is not running:

openclaw gateway start

Open the Dashboard

Run:

openclaw dashboard

If your VPS does not have a browser, access it from your computer:

http://your-server-ip:18789

You should see the OpenClaw dashboard. Send a test message like:

Hello, are you working?

If you receive a reply, everything is working correctly.

Running OpenClaw 24 Hours a Day

Because you used the install daemon option, OpenClaw will:

• Start automatically after reboot
• Run in the background
• Stay active without keeping the terminal open

You can manage it using:

Adding Messaging Channels Later

Example for Telegram setup:

1. Create a bot using BotFather on Telegram
2. Copy the bot token
3. Edit configuration:

openclaw config edit

Add:

Restart the gateway:

openclaw gateway restart

Now your Telegram bot should respond.

Installing Skills

OpenClaw supports additional skills.

For example:

openclaw skills install web-search

This allows your assistant to search the internet. You can explore more skills at: https://clawhub.ai

Common Problems and Fixes

Command not found

Restart your SSH session.

Gateway not starting

Another service may be using port 18789. Try a different port:

openclaw gateway –port 18790

AI not responding

Check your API key, verify your account has credits, and view logs:

openclaw logs

Always Back Up Your Configuration

Before making changes, back up your config:

cp -r ~/.openclaw ~/.openclaw-backup

If something breaks, you can restore your previous setup easily.

Alternative Option If You Prefer Simplicity

If you do not want to handle installation and debugging yourself, there is a managed option called QuickClaw available at: https://quickclaw.aaronwiseai.com/

It allows you to bring your own API keys and skip the manual setup process. However, if your goal is full control and no hosting subscription fees, installing OpenClaw on your own VPS is the better choice.

Installing OpenClaw on a local VPS gives you full ownership of your system, stronger privacy, no platform subscription fees, and complete customization based on your needs. While the initial setup may take a bit of time and patience, once everything is running properly, you will have a powerful AI assistant that is fully under your control and operating on your own infrastructure.