How to Install OpenClaw on Linux
On Linux, the verified fast path is the official installer script plus onboarding with daemon install, then a gateway status check and local dashboard open.
How to install OpenClaw on Linux
OpenClaw on Linux follows the same official quickstart path as macOS: install with the official script, run the onboarding wizard with daemon install, confirm the gateway is healthy, then open the dashboard.
Who this is for
- You want OpenClaw on a Linux laptop, workstation, or small server.
- You want the standard non-Docker install first.
- You want the gateway available as a background service.
What you need before you start
- A Linux system with shell access.
- Node.js 22 or newer.
- A model provider credential ready for onboarding.
Step-by-step setup
Step 1: Confirm the Node.js version
| node --version |
Expected result: a version string that starts with v22 or newer.
Step 2: Run the official installer
| curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash |
Expected result: the install completes and openclaw is available in your shell.
Step 3: Run onboarding and install the Linux service
| openclaw onboard --install-daemon |
The onboarding wizard on Linux installs a user service and does a health check after setup.
Step 4: Verify the gateway
| openclaw gateway status |
Expected result: the service is running and the probe succeeds.
Step 5: Open the dashboard
| openclaw dashboard --no-open |
Open the printed URL in your browser. On the gateway host, the default dashboard URL is http://127.0.0.1:18789/.
Verify it worked
openclaw gateway statusreports a healthy runtime.- The dashboard loads in your browser.
- If you already configured a channel, you can also send a test message later with
openclaw message send.
Common problems and fixes
The service installed but stopped after boot
Check the service and logs:
| openclaw gateway status |
| openclaw logs --follow |
| openclaw doctor |
The dashboard does not open from the CLI
Use the no-open form and paste the printed URL into your browser:
| openclaw dashboard --no-open |
The dashboard says pairing is required
Approve the most recent device request:
| openclaw devices list |
| openclaw devices approve --latest |
FAQ
Should I use Docker instead of the normal Linux install?
Only if you specifically want a containerized gateway. The official Docker guide positions Docker as optional, not the default path.
Can I re-run the wizard later?
Yes. The docs recommend openclaw configure for later reconfiguration and openclaw agents add <name> when you start building a multi-agent setup.
Where is the dashboard served by default?
On a local install, OpenClaw serves the Control UI at http://127.0.0.1:18789/ unless you change the port or base path.
Official sources
Related OpenClaw guides
Follow the next most relevant setup guide without leaving the cluster.
Install OpenClaw on macOS with the official installer, finish onboarding, and verify the local gateway and dashboard.
Use WSL2 for the recommended Windows OpenClaw setup, then install OpenClaw inside Linux, onboard it, and verify the gateway.
Finish the OpenClaw onboarding wizard, configure the gateway, open the dashboard, and approve first device access when needed.