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Getting Started

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

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)

curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash
Install Script Process 
iwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1 | iex


<Note>
Other install methods and requirements: [Install](../../install).
</Note>


openclaw onboard --install-daemon


The wizard configures auth, gateway settings, and optional channels.
See [Onboarding Wizard](../../start/wizard) for details.

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

```bash
openclaw gateway status
```


openclaw dashboard

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

Optional checks and extras

Useful for quick tests or troubleshooting.

```bash
openclaw gateway --port 18789
```

Requires a configured channel.

```bash
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

Full CLI wizard reference and advanced options. First run flow for the macOS app.

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