# How to Run OpenClaw on Mac Mini (Apple Silicon + Intel Guide)

> Run OpenClaw on Mac Mini with easy setup steps, simple requirements, and quick fixes for common problems.

**Published:** Mar 17, 2026 | **Author:** Michael Park | **Read time:** 12 min read

Step-by-step guide to running OpenClaw on Mac Mini. Works on M1, M2, M3, M4, and Intel. Setup requirements, installation steps, common errors, and how to keep your agent running 24/7.

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Mac Mini is a great choice for running OpenClaw locally — it stays on, uses minimal power, and handles agent workloads without any extra hardware.

Don't want to deal with local setup? [Ampere.sh](https://www.ampere.sh) gets you running without installing anything.

Mac Mini is a great choice for running OpenClaw locally — it stays on, uses minimal power, and handles agent workloads without any extra hardware.

Don't want to deal with local setup? [Ampere.sh](https://www.ampere.sh) gets you running without installing anything.


## Mac Mini Requirements for OpenClaw


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| --- | --- |

If managing Node.js, config files, and keeping your Mac awake feels like too much — you can get OpenClaw running on Ampere.sh in 60 seconds with no local setup at all.


## How to Install OpenClaw on Mac Mini


### Step 1 — Run the Official OpenClaw Installer

The recommended way to install OpenClaw on Mac Mini. It automatically detects your Node.js version, installs Node 24 if needed, and sets up everything in one step:

Works on both Apple Silicon and Intel Mac Mini — PATH configuration handled automatically.


### Step 2 — Run OpenClaw Onboarding

After install, run onboarding. This sets up your API key, configures the Gateway, and installs OpenClaw as a background service that starts on every boot:

Onboarding walks you through:

- Configuring the Gateway
- Installing the daemon so OpenClaw runs on every Mac Mini boot
- Optionally connecting channels ( [WhatsApp](/blog/connect-openclaw-whatsapp) , Discord , Telegram)


### Step 3 — Check the OpenClaw Gateway Status


### Step 4 — Open the Control UI

Or visit `http://127.0.0.1:18789/` in your browser. If it loads, your Gateway is live.


### Step 5 — Stop Mac Mini from Going to Sleep

**System Settings → Battery → Options →** “Prevent automatic sleeping when display is off” → **Enable**


### Step 6 — Verify Your Config File (Optional)


## Common Problems When Running OpenClaw on Mac Mini

If you're hitting multiple errors in a row, the local Mac environment is fighting you. If you don't want to deal with this,Ampere.sh gets OpenClaw running without any local config, PATH issues, or sleep management.


## Mac Mini Local Setup vs Ampere.sh




| Feature | Mac Mini (Local) | Ampere.sh |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Setup time | 15–30 min | 60 seconds |
| Runs when Mac sleeps | ❌ Goes offline | ✅ Always on |
| Errors to debug | Several possible | None |
| Maintenance needed | Manual updates | Fully managed |
| True 24/7 uptime | Only if Mac stays on | ✅ Yes |
| Free to start | API costs only | ✅ Free credits |

## Skip the Setup: Run OpenClaw Without Touching Your Mac Mini

Local setup works — but your agent is tied to your Mac Mini. If it sleeps, restarts, or loses power, the agent goes offline.

Deploy on [Ampere.sh](https://www.ampere.sh/) instead:

- No local install — no Node.js, no installer script, no config files
- Free credits to start — no credit card required
- Pre-configured with memory, tools, and channel connections
- Runs on cloud infrastructure — your Mac can sleep, restart, or be turned off


## Want OpenClaw running 24/7 without keeping your Mac on?

Deploy on Ampere.sh — managed infrastructure, free credits, live in 60 seconds.

[Get Started on Ampere.sh →](https://www.ampere.sh/setup)


## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does OpenClaw work on Apple Silicon Mac Mini?

Yes. OpenClaw runs natively on Apple Silicon Mac Mini with no Rosetta translation needed. The official installer script handles Node detection and setup automatically.

### What Node.js version do I need for OpenClaw on Mac Mini?

Node 24 is recommended. Node 22 LTS (22.16+) is still supported for compatibility. The official OpenClaw installer script installs Node 24 automatically if it's missing.

### Can I keep OpenClaw running 24/7 on Mac Mini?

Yes — Mac Mini is one of the best devices for this. It uses only 6-10 watts at idle. Run 'openclaw onboard --install-daemon' to install as a background service, and enable 'Prevent automatic sleeping' in Battery settings.

### Where is the OpenClaw config file on Mac?

The config file is at ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json. It's configured during onboarding with 'openclaw onboard' and editable anytime.

### What happens to my OpenClaw agent if Mac Mini restarts?

If you ran 'openclaw onboard --install-daemon', the Gateway starts automatically on every reboot. For true always-on without depending on your Mac, Ampere.sh runs your agent on cloud infrastructure.

### How do I check if OpenClaw is running on Mac Mini?

Run 'openclaw gateway status' in Terminal. Open the browser Control UI with 'openclaw dashboard' or visit http://127.0.0.1:18789/.

### How do I add skills to OpenClaw on Mac Mini?

Run 'clawhub install ' in Terminal. Restart the gateway after installing. Browse all available skills on Ampere.sh.