Full OpenClaw Setup Tutorial: Step-by-Step Walkthrough (Clawdbot)

Introduction to OpenClaw

Overview of OpenClaw

• Caleb introduces OpenClaw as a unique AI assistant that operates within existing applications, unlike traditional tools like ChatGPT.

• The assistant can run tasks in the background on a schedule, reducing the need for constant user interaction.

Setting Up OpenClaw

• Any machine can be used to run OpenClaw, but it must remain online continuously for effective operation.

• Running OpenClaw on personal devices poses security risks and requires maintaining an always-on setup.

Choosing the Right Environment

Importance of VPS

• A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is recommended for running OpenClaw due to its reliability and accessibility from anywhere.

• Hostinger is suggested as a cost-effective VPS option with beginner-friendly deployment features.

VPS Setup Process

• Users are guided through selecting a VPS plan with sufficient resources (e.g., KVM 2 plan).

• The video explains billing options, recommending at least a 12-month plan for savings and benefits like a free domain.

Finalizing Your VPS Configuration

Completing Registration

• Instructions are provided for registering an account with Hostinger and entering payment details.

• Users are advised to save their OpenClaw gateway token securely, treating it like a password.

API Key Requirements

• The setup requires API keys from both OpenAI and Anthropic; users must ensure billing is enabled on these platforms.

• While using OpenClaw is free, costs arise from utilizing AI models based on usage metrics.

OpenClaw Setup and Integration

Creating API Keys for OpenClaw

• The project is named "OpenClaw," and users are instructed to set their project permissions before creating a secret key.

• Users can opt to set up both OpenAI and Anthropic APIs, allowing flexibility in model selection based on cost or suitability.

• After filling out the API keys, users must click "Deploy" to initiate the deployment process, which may take several minutes.

Connecting to the OpenClaw Dashboard

• Once deployed, users will see a status change from "Created" to "Running." They need to connect by pasting the gateway token into the dashboard.

• A test message is sent through the chat feature to confirm that everything is functioning correctly.

Setting Up Telegram Integration

• The video transitions into setting up a chatting app like Telegram, highlighting its popularity due to easy bot setup and token connections.

• Users are guided to send a message requesting steps for setting up Telegram integration with their assistant.

Creating a Bot with BotFather

• Instructions include accessing BotFather via a provided link and initiating bot creation by typing "/newbot."

• Users must name their bot (e.g., "OpenClaw Tutorial 123") and choose a unique username ending with "bot."

Configuring Chat ID and Finalizing Setup

• After obtaining the bot token from BotFather, it needs to be sent as a message in OpenClaw's dashboard.

• To get the chat ID, users interact with another bot linked in the description. This ID is then pasted back into OpenClaw for configuration completion.

Testing Telegram Functionality

• Users are prompted to send messages through Telegram after configuration. Successful communication confirms that everything is working properly.

Model Confirmation and Skills Installation

• Users check which AI model (Claude Opus 4.5 or GPT-4o) is currently active; they can request changes through their assistant if needed.

• The video introduces ClawHub as an option for installing additional skills that enhance assistant capabilities.

How to Install and Manage Skills for Your AI Assistant

Installing Skills from GitHub

• Users can publish and browse skills through the public skills directory on GitHub, with installation instructions provided in the video description.

• The Google Workspace skill is highlighted as a useful starting point, allowing integration with Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Contacts, and Sheets for enhanced AI assistant functionality.

• To install a skill, copy its GitHub link and send a message to your bot in Telegram stating "install this skill," followed by the link. The bot will guide you through any necessary troubleshooting steps.

Handling Dependencies

• If an error occurs during installation (e.g., "brew not installed"), it indicates that additional dependencies are required. These can be managed via the Docker manager on Hostinger.

• Users should communicate directly with their VPS using a built-in terminal to install missing dependencies and refresh the setup.

Setting Up Recurring Actions

• Cron Jobs allow users to automate tasks for their AI assistant. Access this feature through the OpenClaw control panel under Cron jobs.

• Create a job by naming it (e.g., "Summarise Emails and Meetings") and setting a schedule (e.g., daily). Define what actions the AI should perform within the system text box.

Managing Deployments on Hostinger

• The Hostinger Docker manager serves as a control panel for managing deployments of OpenClaw, including restarting or redeploying services and changing API keys or environment variables.

• Users can configure various settings such as OS changes, backups, monitoring setups, security configurations, or domain connections.

Security Best Practices

• Given that OpenClaw is experimental and has access to sensitive data like emails and calendars, it's crucial to prioritize security measures post-installation.

• Enable automatic backups in Hostinger's hPanel; upgrading from weekly to daily backups is recommended for quicker recovery options.

• Secure dashboard access by using strong passwords and limiting access based on IP addresses or VPN usage.

• Consider implementing SSL certificates when adding domains for encrypted connections to dashboards.

• Treat tokens (gateway token, Telegram bot token, API keys) like passwords; avoid sharing them publicly. Change any leaked tokens immediately within your Hostinger environment variables.