# How to Run OpenClaw on Linux - Complete Guide > Install OpenClaw on Linux with the right steps, and learn the clear requirements to run AI agents and assistants. **Published:** Mar 19, 2026 | **Author:** Michael Park | **Read time:** 10 min read Run OpenClaw on Linux the right way. Covers install steps, system requirements, and fixes for common errors, verified from official docs. --- Linux gives you full control over how OpenClaw runs — but that comes with things to configure. This guide keeps it practical: what you need, the exact steps from the official docs, and what to do when something doesn't work. Prefer a hosted setup with none of the server work? [Ampere.sh](https://www.ampere.sh) is a managed option that reduces setup and maintenance — no server configuration required. Linux gives you full control over how OpenClaw runs — but that comes with things to configure. This guide keeps it practical: what you need, the exact steps from the official docs, and what to do when something doesn't work. Prefer a hosted setup with none of the server work? [Ampere.sh](https://www.ampere.sh) is a managed option that reduces setup and maintenance — no server configuration required. ## Linux Requirements for OpenClaw | {label} | {value} | | --- | --- | ## Installing OpenClaw on Linux Step by Step ### Step 1 — Connect to Your Server If you're running OpenClaw on a VPS, connect via SSH first. Replace `your-server-ip` with your actual server IP address: If you're installing on a local Linux machine, skip this step and open a terminal directly. ### Step 2 — Run the Official OpenClaw Install Script Run the official install script from openclaw.ai. It handles everything automatically: The script will: - Update the local package index - Install prerequisite packages (git, curl, gnupg, ca-certificates) - Install Node.js if it's missing or outdated - Install the OpenClaw binary If `curl` isn't installed yet, run `sudo apt install curl` (Debian/Ubuntu) or `sudo dnf install curl` (Fedora/CentOS) first. ### Step 3 — Run Onboarding Onboarding walks you through configuring your API key, gateway settings, and optional channels. The `--install-daemon` flag registers OpenClaw as a background service that starts automatically on every boot: During onboarding you will be asked to: - Accept the usage disclaimer - Choose onboarding mode (select Manual for full control) - Set your preferred AI provider and paste your API key - Set the Gateway port (default: 18789) and bind address - Optionally connect a messaging channel (Discord, Telegram, WhatsApp) ### Step 4 — Check the Gateway Status If you installed the service in the previous step, it should already be running: ### Step 5 — Open the Control UI Or open `http://127.0.0.1:18789/` in your browser. If it loads, your Gateway is working. On a headless server, make sure port `18789` is accessible before connecting remotely. Do not expose the dashboard publicly without proper access controls. ### Step 6 — Check Your Config (Optional) ## Common OpenClaw Linux Errors and How to Fix Them ## Run OpenClaw Without Managing a Linux Server Local setup works well if you're comfortable managing a Linux environment. But if you just want OpenClaw running without dealing with installation, services, or server maintenance — there's a simpler option. [Ampere.sh](https://www.ampere.sh/) is a managed hosting option for OpenClaw: - No server required — Ampere.sh handles the infrastructure - Free to start — no credit card required - Connect to Discord, Telegram, or WhatsApp after setup - Reduces the operational overhead of self-hosting ## Want OpenClaw without managing a Linux server? Deploy on Ampere.sh — fully managed, free to start, running in under 2 minutes. [Try Ampere.sh Free →](https://www.ampere.sh/setup) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Which Linux distros does OpenClaw support? OpenClaw works on most modern 64-bit Linux distributions. Ubuntu 20.04+, Debian 10+, Fedora 36+, and CentOS/RHEL 8+ are all tested. Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit) is also supported. ### Do I need root access to install OpenClaw on Linux? You need sudo access for the service install step (--install-daemon). The OpenClaw binary itself installs to your user directory and doesn't require root. ### What Node.js version does OpenClaw require on Linux? Node 24 is recommended. Node 22 LTS (22.16+) is the minimum supported version. The official install script checks your Node version and handles installation if needed. ### How do I make OpenClaw start automatically after a Linux reboot? Run 'openclaw onboard --install-daemon' during setup. This registers OpenClaw as a background service that starts automatically on every boot. ### Where does OpenClaw store its config on Linux? At ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json — same path on all platforms. You can view it with 'cat ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json' and edit it with any text editor. ### Can I run OpenClaw on a headless Linux server? Yes — OpenClaw runs entirely in the background. You don't need a desktop environment. Connect your agent to Discord, Telegram, or WhatsApp and interact with it from your phone or another device. ### Can I run OpenClaw on a Linux VPS? Yes. A VPS with 1GB RAM is enough. For a fully managed option where you don't manage the server at all, Ampere.sh handles hosting, uptime, and updates for you.