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🔧 Setup Guide

Setting up OpenClaw – the honest guide

Want to set up OpenClaw yourself? Here’s what it really takes – and what faster alternative is available.

Self-Hosted Setup

Install OpenClaw yourself – step by step

1

Rent a VPS / server

Hetzner, DigitalOcean, or AWS – set up a Linux server with at least 2 GB RAM and root access.

⏲ ~15 minEasy
2

Configure Linux

Install Ubuntu or Debian, secure SSH, create users, apply updates.

⏲ ~20 minMedium
3

Install Docker

Install and configure Docker Engine and Docker Compose on the server.

⏲ ~10 minMedium
4

Deploy OpenClaw container

Pull Docker image, configure docker-compose.yml, set environment variables, start container.

⏲ ~20 minMedium
5

Set up SSL / TLS

Configure Let’s Encrypt or Cloudflare for HTTPS. Set up reverse proxy (Nginx/Caddy).

⏲ ~20 minAdvanced
6

Configure firewall

Set up UFW or iptables. Open only necessary ports. Fail2Ban for brute-force protection.

⏲ ~15 minAdvanced
7

Set up memory & persistence

Configure volumes for persistent data. Plan backup strategy for memory files and logs.

⏲ ~20 minAdvanced
8

Configure LLM API keys

Set up API keys for Claude, GPT-4, or local models. Define token limits and fallbacks.

⏲ ~15 minEasy
Estimated effort: 2–4 hours (if everything goes smoothly)
What comes next

Setup is just the beginning

Installation is done – but the real work starts now. These tasks come up every month:

🛡

Security Updates

OS patches, Docker updates, dependency vulnerabilities. Check and apply regularly.

📈

Monitoring

Server health, memory usage, container status. Set up alerts and respond.

💾

Backups

Set up automated backups, test restores, manage offsite copies.

📜

GDPR Documentation

Processing records, data protection impact assessments, data processing agreements.

📒

Log Management

Rotate, analyze, and store logs. Catch errors before they cause outages.

Estimated ongoing effort: 4–8 hours / month
Managed OpenClaw

Or: Set up OpenClaw in 2 minutes

With ManagedClaw you skip all the technical steps – and go straight to the result.

1

Choose industry & use cases

Agency, startup, freelancer? Email assistant, CRM maintenance, support? You choose – we configure.

2

Connect tools

Gmail, Slack, HubSpot, Notion – connect via OAuth. No API key hassle.

3

Done – your agent is live

Your AI employee is live. Own email, own memory, own tools. Ready to go immediately.

No server, no Docker, no terminal.
Comparison

DIY vs. Managed – the comparison

CriterionDIY Self-HostedManagedClaw ☁
Setup time⚠️ 2–4 hours✔ 2 minutes
Monthly cost⚠️ ~€20–50 server + your time✔ From €19/month – all inclusive
Security❌ Your responsibility✔ Hardened, managed, monitored
GDPR❌ Document it yourself✔ GDPR-compliant from day one
Updates❌ Apply manually✔ Automatic, zero downtime
Support❌ Community / GitHub Issues✔ Personal support

More about OpenClaw:

What is OpenClaw?Self-host OpenClawHosting comparisonOpenClaw on MacTry OpenClawOpenClaw on Raspberry PiManagedClaw security

Set up OpenClaw – without the hassle

Server, Docker, SSL, firewall, monitoring – or just get started. You decide.

Set up now →View pricing
Frequently Asked

FAQ: Setting up OpenClaw

No. ManagedClaw is completely no-code. You choose your industry, use cases, and tools – we take care of servers, security, and updates. No terminal, no Docker, no Linux knowledge required.
Yes. We help you migrate your existing self-hosted OpenClaw to ManagedClaw. Your memory files, configurations, and tool integrations are carried over. The process typically takes less than 30 minutes.
Your data (memory, logs, files) is stored on Hetzner servers in Germany. GDPR-compliant, encrypted, with regular backups. You retain full control and can export at any time.