# How to Run OpenClaw on Raspberry Pi: A Practical Setup Guide

> Set up OpenClaw on a Raspberry Pi with simple steps, system requirements, and limitations.

**Published:** Mar 18, 2026 | **Author:** Michael Park | **Read time:** 8 min read

Set up OpenClaw on a Raspberry Pi with a complete installation walkthrough, system requirements, and real-world limitations explained.

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Running **OpenClaw on a Raspberry Pi** gives you a [ personal AI agent ](/blog/what-is-openclaw) that stays on 24/7 — without a cloud bill.

If you prefer skipping manual setup, you can also deploy it instantly using [ Ampere.sh ](https://www.ampere.sh) .

Running **OpenClaw on a Raspberry Pi** gives you a [ personal AI agent ](/blog/what-is-openclaw) that stays on 24/7 — without a cloud bill.

If you prefer skipping manual setup, you can also deploy it instantly using [ Ampere.sh ](https://www.ampere.sh) .


## Can a Raspberry Pi Actually Run OpenClaw?

Yes — with the right model. OpenClaw is a Node.js application, and Node runs well on the Pi's ARM64 chip. The limiting factor isn't the CPU — it's **RAM**.

OpenClaw's gateway process typically uses 150–300MB of memory at idle, and spikes higher during active conversations. That's fine on a 4GB or 8GB Pi. On a 1GB Pi 3, you're fighting for every megabyte.


## Hardware & Prerequisites

Before running the installer, make sure the essential build tools are present:

If this setup feels a bit resource-heavy for your device, you can run OpenClaw in about a minute on [ Ampere.sh ](https://www.ampere.sh) without configuring anything locally — no hardware, no dependencies.


## Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Follow these steps in order. Each one accounts for the Pi's ARM architecture — don't skip the OS check or the Node install even if you think you already have them set up.

#### Check Your OS is 64-bit

#### Install Node.js 22+

#### Run the OpenClaw Installer

#### Complete Onboarding

- Connecting a messaging channel — Discord, Telegram, or WhatsApp
- Setting a gateway token for dashboard access

#### Start the Gateway & Enable Auto-Start


## Troubleshooting


## Which Pi Should You Use?


|  | {h} |
| --- | --- |
| Installs? | With swap |
| Runs reliably? | No |
| Docker sandbox? | No |
| Multi-agent? | No |
| Recommended | No |

Not all Pis are created equal. Here's how different models handle OpenClaw:


## Your agent deserves to run 24/7

Whether it's on a Raspberry Pi or in the cloud — OpenClaw keeps your AI agent always on. Try Ampere.sh for instant deployment with free credits.

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


## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does OpenClaw support ARM processors?

Yes. OpenClaw runs on Node.js, which fully supports aarch64 (64-bit ARM). That's the architecture used by Raspberry Pi 4, Pi 5, and most modern ARM single-board computers.

### Can I run OpenClaw on a Raspberry Pi 3?

It's technically possible on the Pi 3B+ (which has 1GB RAM), but you'll be running at the absolute edge. You'll need a swap file, can't run much else alongside it, and performance will be noticeably slower. Pi 4 with 4GB is the realistic minimum for a good experience.

### Does OpenClaw work with Docker on Raspberry Pi?

It can, but Docker adds significant memory overhead. On a Pi 4 with 4GB, running OpenClaw natively (without Docker) is the better choice. If you have an 8GB Pi 4 or a Pi 5, Docker becomes more viable. The image build alone requires about 2GB of free RAM.

### Can I connect WhatsApp to OpenClaw on my Pi?

Yes — run 'openclaw channels login' after setup and scan the QR code with your phone. It works the same way regardless of what hardware you're running on.

### What happens if my Pi loses power?

If you've set up OpenClaw as a system service (Step 5 in this guide), it will automatically restart when power returns. Your conversation history and memory files are preserved on disk.

### Is the SD card fast enough for OpenClaw?

It works, but SD cards are the biggest performance bottleneck on most Pi setups. OpenClaw reads and writes session data, logs, and memory files frequently. If you notice lag, switching to a USB SSD boot drive makes a dramatic difference — often 5-10x faster for disk operations.

### Can I run multiple AI agents on one Raspberry Pi?

On a Pi 5 with 8GB RAM, you can comfortably run 2-3 agents. On a 4GB Pi 4, stick to one agent and keep background services minimal. Each agent consumes memory for its Node.js process and conversation context.

### Does the Pi need to be connected to the internet all the time?

Yes. OpenClaw needs internet access to reach AI model providers (like Anthropic, OpenAI, etc.) and to maintain connections with messaging platforms. Without internet, the gateway will start but won't be able to process messages.