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First steps

Getting Started

Goal: go from zero to a first working chat with minimal setup.

ℹ️ Fastest chat: open the Control UI (no channel setup needed). Run openclaw dashboard and chat in the browser, or open http://127.0.0.1:18789/ on the gateway host. Docs: Dashboard and Control UI.

Prereqs​

  • Node 22 or newer

💡 Check your Node version with node --version if you are unsure.

Quick setup (CLI)​

ℹ️ Other install methods and requirements: Install.

Step 2: Run the onboarding wizard​

openclaw onboard --install-daemon

The wizard configures auth, gateway settings, and optional channels. See Onboarding Wizard for details.

Step 3: Check the Gateway​

If you installed the service, it should already be running:

openclaw gateway status

Step 4: Open the Control UI​

openclaw dashboard

✅ If the Control UI loads, your Gateway is ready for use.

Optional checks and extras​

Useful for quick tests or troubleshooting.

openclaw gateway --port 18789

Requires a configured channel.

openclaw message send --target +15555550123 --message "Hello from OpenClaw"

Useful environment variables​

If you run OpenClaw as a service account or want custom config/state locations:

  • OPENCLAW_HOME sets the home directory used for internal path resolution.
  • OPENCLAW_STATE_DIR overrides the state directory.
  • OPENCLAW_CONFIG_PATH overrides the config file path.

Full environment variable reference: Environment vars.

Go deeper​

What you will have​

  • A running Gateway
  • Auth configured
  • Control UI access or a connected channel

Next steps​

  • DM safety and approvals: Pairing
  • Connect more channels: Channels
  • Advanced workflows and from source: Setup

FeaturesOnboarding Overview