A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Deploy OpenClaw

Deploying OpenClaw doesn't have to be complicated. This guide walks you through the key steps to get OpenClaw running quickly. We'll cover two common deployment methods: an instant one-click setup and a manual VPS installation.

Table of contents

• OpenClaw deployment options
• Method 1: How to deploy OpenClaw instantly with Kimi Claw
• Beyond deployment: Why Kimi Claw is the smartest choice
• Method 2: How to deploy OpenClaw manually with VPS
• Troubleshooting for manual VPS setup
• Conclusion

OpenClaw deployment options

Before setting up OpenClaw, it helps to understand the main deployment options available. Different environments offer different levels of control, performance, and setup complexity.

• Local deployment runs OpenClaw directly on your personal computer. This method is useful for testing, experimentation, or short-term tasks. However, it requires your machine to stay online and may not be ideal for long-running automation.

• VPS deployment runs OpenClaw on a virtual private server in the cloud. This approach offers better uptime and more stable performance, making it suitable for developers who want full control over the environment. However, it usually involves manual configuration and server management.

• Managed cloud deployment provides a simpler alternative. Instead of configuring servers manually, users can launch OpenClaw through a hosted platform with built-in infrastructure management.

In the following sections, we'll walk through two common approaches: instant cloud deployment and manual VPS setup.

Method 1: How to deploy OpenClaw instantly with Kimi Claw

Kimi Claw provides a managed cloud environment that allows you to deploy OpenClaw without manually configuring servers or infrastructure. Instead of setting up a VPS and installing dependencies, you can launch OpenClaw directly through the platform. Follow the steps below to deploy OpenClaw with Kimi Claw.

Step 1: Start the Deployment

Open the Kimi Claw page and click the Create button to start the deployment process.

Step 2: Launch a new instance

Click the Create button and confirm in the pop-up window. Kimi Claw will then set up a ready-to-use OpenClaw environment for you, with no manual setup needed.

Step 3: Start working in the workspace

After setup finishes, your Kimi Claw workspace will open in the dashboard. You can now manage OpenClaw tasks, set up tools, and run workflows right from the easy-to-use interface.

Beyond deployment: Why Kimi Claw is the smartest choice

Kimi Claw is a beginner-friendly way to run OpenClaw automation easily. It removes the need to install dependencies or configure APIs manually and securely. You don't have to manage system updates or servers yourself at all. This lets you focus on running automation tasks quickly and efficiently every single time without worry.

Key features

• Fully cloud-hosted

Kimi Claw runs OpenClaw on managed cloud servers, so you don't have to manage a VPS, keep a computer running, or deal with server setup yourself.

• No manual installation required

You don't need to install Docker, Node.js, or set up any dependencies. With one click, you can deploy an always-online agent that's already fully configured.

• 40GB included cloud storage

Each Kimi Claw instance includes 40GB of cloud storage for files, workflow results, datasets, and memory. Your agent can save and access work across sessions without running into local storage limits.

• 24/7 always-online

After deployment, your OpenClaw agent stays online around the clock. It can run scheduled workflows and handle tasks even if your device is offline.

• Unlock 5,000+ ClawHub skills

Kimi Claw gives you instant access to over 5,000 community-contributed skills from ClawHub. Your agent can do things like web searches, data analysis and code execution without needing to install skills manually.

Method 2: How to deploy OpenClaw manually with VPS

Deploying OpenClaw on a VPS gives you full control over your AI assistant and keeps it running all the time. Setting it up manually lets you customize settings, connect your favorite AI provider, and manage workflows directly. Hostinger offers a VPS that supports Docker to make this easier, but you can use any Linux-based VPS for these steps:

Step 1: Prepare your VPS for OpenClaw

Set up a Linux VPS (Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04 recommended) with root or sudo access. Ensure it has at least 2GB RAM (4GB preferred) and 10GB+ disk space. Then, install Docker and Docker Compose, which are required to run OpenClaw in a containerized environment. This ensures your OpenClaw instance can run independently and stay online even when your computer is off.

Step 2: Clone OpenClaw and run the setup

SSH into your VPS and clone the OpenClaw repository:

Run the Docker setup script:

This script builds the Docker image, launches the onboarding wizard, creates necessary directories, generates a gateway token, and starts OpenClaw automatically.

Step 3: Configure and access OpenClaw

During the setup, enter your AI provider credentials. Once the setup completes, check that the OpenClaw gateway is running:

Then access the OpenClaw dashboard using your VPS IP and port 18789. Use the gateway token generated during setup to log in. From here, you can connect messaging channels like Telegram or WhatsApp to start interacting with your AI assistant.

Troubleshooting for manual VPS setup

When deploying OpenClaw on a VPS, you may occasionally run into technical issues related to server configuration, network access, or system resources. Below are some common problems and how to resolve them.

1. SSH or Remote Access Problems

• Issue: You cannot connect to your VPS through SSH or a remote desktop client.
• How to fix it:
  • Make sure your device is connected to the internet.
  • Confirm that the server IP address or hostname is entered correctly.
  • Check whether firewall rules or security settings are preventing remote access and update them if needed.

2. High Resource Usage

• Issue: The VPS becomes slow or stops responding during operation.
• How to fix it:
  • Review CPU, memory, and disk usage through your hosting provider's control panel.
  • Identify processes that are consuming excessive resources and adjust or stop them if necessary.
  • If your workload grows, upgrading to a larger VPS instance may improve performance.

3. Services Not Accessible

• Issue: Applications or services running on the VPS cannot be reached from the internet.
• How to fix it:
  • Confirm that your web server (such as Apache or Nginx) is running properly.
  • Check server logs to identify potential errors.
  • Verify that your domain's DNS records are correctly pointing to the VPS IP address.

4. Package Installation Failures

• Issue: Software packages fail to install or update on the VPS.
• How to fix it:
  • Ensure your package manager (for example APT or YUM) is functioning normally.
  • Check for conflicting dependencies or partially installed packages.
  • Confirm that the server can reach external package repositories.

These configuration challenges are one reason many users prefer managed deployment platforms like Kimi Claw, which handle infrastructure setup automatically.

Conclusion

To sum up, you can deploy OpenClaw manually on a VPS for full control or use a cloud-based solution for a quicker setup. Both options let you run your AI assistant and automate tasks. If you want a fast and easy start, Kimi Claw is a great choice. Its one-click deployment and ready-to-use environment make it simple to get OpenClaw running in just minutes.