curl -fsSL https://moltbot.army/install.sh | bash
What is ClawdBot?
ClawdBot (now called OpenClaw or MoltBot) is an open-source AI assistant that runs on your own server and connects to messaging apps like Discord, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Slack.
Think of it as having Claude AI as your personal assistant, accessible through chat apps you already use. It can:
- Execute commands on your server
- Write and run code
- Browse the web
- Manage files and projects
- Answer questions with AI
Prerequisites
Before installing ClawdBot, you'll need:
Server
VPS with at least 2GB RAM. We recommend Hetzner (€3.79/mo) or Oracle Free Tier ($0).
Operating System
Ubuntu 22.04+, Debian 12+, macOS 14+, or Windows with WSL2.
API Key
Anthropic API key for Claude (or OpenAI key). Get one at console.anthropic.com.
Basic Skills
Familiarity with terminal/SSH. Don't worry - we'll guide you through everything.
Quick Install (One-Line)
If you're on a fresh Ubuntu/Debian server, this single command installs everything:
curl -fsSL https://moltbot.army/install.sh | bash
The installer will:
- Detect your operating system
- Install Node.js 22+ if needed
- Install ClawdBot/OpenClaw globally
- Set up the background service
- Launch the onboarding wizard
Prefer to see what you're running first? Download and inspect:
curl -O https://moltbot.army/install.sh && cat install.sh && bash install.sh
Step-by-Step Installation
For those who prefer manual installation or want to understand each step:
Step 1: Connect to Your Server
SSH into your VPS:
ssh root@your-server-ip
Step 2: Update System Packages
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Step 3: Install Node.js 22+
ClawdBot requires Node.js 22 or newer:
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs
Verify installation:
node --version # Should show v22.x.x or higher
Step 4: Install ClawdBot
npm install -g openclaw@latest
Note: The package is called openclaw (the current name), but it's the same as ClawdBot/MoltBot.
Step 5: Run the Installer
openclaw onboard --install-daemon
This launches the interactive setup wizard.
Platform-Specific Instructions
Ubuntu/Debian
The quick install script works out of the box. If you encounter permission issues:
sudo npm install -g openclaw@latest --unsafe-perm
macOS
Install Homebrew first if you haven't:
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
Then install via Homebrew:
brew install openclaw/tap/openclaw
openclaw init
openclaw start
Windows (WSL2)
Enable WSL2 and install Ubuntu:
wsl --install -d Ubuntu
Enable systemd in WSL (required for the daemon):
sudo nano /etc/wsl.conf
# Add these lines:
[boot]
systemd=true
Restart WSL and run the installer:
wsl --shutdown
wsl
curl -fsSL https://moltbot.army/install.sh | bash
Onboarding Wizard
The onboarding wizard asks for:
- AI Provider - Select Claude (Anthropic) or OpenAI
- API Key - Paste your API key
- Model - Claude Opus for best results, Sonnet for lower cost
- Workspace Directory - Where ClawdBot stores files (default: ~/openclaw/workspace)
Connect Messaging Apps
Now the fun part - connect your preferred messaging app:
openclaw pair
This opens a browser where you can connect:
- Telegram - Scan QR code with Telegram app
- Discord - Create a bot and paste the token
- WhatsApp - Scan QR with WhatsApp (Business API)
- Slack - OAuth with your workspace
Verify It's Working
Send a message to your bot: "Hello, are you there?"
You should get a response within seconds!
Common Issues & Fixes
❌ "Permission denied" during install
Run with sudo: sudo npm install -g openclaw@latest
❌ "Node version too old"
Upgrade Node.js to v22+: curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash - && sudo apt install -y nodejs
❌ Bot not responding
Check the service status: openclaw status. If stopped, restart with openclaw start
❌ "No auth configured"
Re-run onboarding: openclaw onboard
❌ Gateway won't start (port 18789 in use)
Kill the existing process: sudo lsof -i :18789 | grep LISTEN | awk '{print $2}' | xargs kill -9
Still stuck? Run the diagnostic tool:
openclaw doctor --fix
Next Steps
Now that ClawdBot is running:
Need Help?
Our community Discord has 5,000+ members ready to help. Or upgrade to our Assisted plan for direct support.