> FAQ

OpenClaw is an open-source personal AI assistant that runs on your machine (Mac, Windows, or Linux). It connects to chat apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Discord, and can manage your email, calendar, files, browser, and more. Think of it as a 24/7 AI coworker that lives on your computer.

Yes, OpenClaw itself is free and open source. You will need an API key from an AI provider (Anthropic Claude, OpenAI, etc.) or run a local model. The cost depends on your usage of the underlying AI model.

OpenClaw supports Claude (Anthropic), GPT-4 (OpenAI), Gemini (Google), and local models via Ollama or LM Studio. You can switch models at any time or use different models for different tasks.

The quickest way is: npm i -g openclaw && openclaw onboard. Or use the one-liner: curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash. See our full installation guide for all methods including building from source.

Yes. OpenClaw runs on Windows 10/11 with Node.js 18+. You can use PowerShell, CMD, or WSL2. The one-liner installer handles everything automatically.

Yes! OpenClaw runs on Raspberry Pi and other ARM64 Linux devices. Many users run it on a Raspberry Pi with Cloudflare tunnel for always-on access.

After installing OpenClaw, run openclaw integrations and follow the WhatsApp setup wizard. It uses the WhatsApp Web bridge. See our WhatsApp setup guide for step-by-step instructions.

Create a Telegram bot via @BotFather, get your bot token, and add it during openclaw onboard or openclaw integrations. See our Telegram guide for details.

Yes. OpenClaw can run as a Discord bot in your server. It works in DMs and channels. You can even run multiple instances in the same server.

Yes. OpenClaw runs entirely on your machine. Your data never leaves your computer unless you explicitly send it to an AI model API. You control what goes where.

Skills are reusable automation workflows that extend OpenClaw. They are defined as SKILL.md files and can do anything from managing emails to controlling smart home devices. You can install community skills or build your own.

Yes! One of the most powerful features is that OpenClaw can create new skills for itself. Just ask it to "build a skill that does X" and it will write the SKILL.md file and start using it.

OpenClaw has persistent memory that survives across sessions. It remembers your preferences, past conversations, and context. This makes it uniquely personalized to you over time.

Yes. OpenClaw has full browser control — it can navigate websites, fill forms, extract data, and interact with web apps. It can even handle OAuth flows and API key provisioning.

Yes, with your permission. OpenClaw can read and write files, run shell commands, and execute scripts. You can run it in full access mode or sandboxed mode.

Heartbeats are periodic check-ins where OpenClaw proactively reaches out to you with updates, reminders, or helpful information. It might remind you of a meeting, share relevant news, or suggest actions.

Yes. You can clone your OpenClaw and run multiple instances concurrently. Each can have its own persona and skills. Some users run 3+ instances in the same Discord server.

The companion app gives you menubar access to your OpenClaw. It works alongside the CLI and provides quick access to your assistant from the macOS menu bar. Requires macOS 14+.

OpenClaw supports scheduled tasks via cron-style syntax. You can set up recurring automations like daily briefings, periodic email checks, health data summaries, and more.

Yes. With Gmail integration, OpenClaw can read, categorize, draft replies, unsubscribe from newsletters, and manage your inbox. Some users have achieved inbox zero using it.

Yes. OpenClaw integrates with Philips Hue, Home Assistant, smart air purifiers, and other IoT devices. You can control your home via chat commands.

Yes. OpenClaw can fetch health and fitness data from WHOOP, Oura, and similar devices. It can give you daily health summaries and optimize recommendations based on your biomarkers.

OpenClaw was created by Peter Steinberger (@steipete) and is maintained by a growing open-source community. It was formerly known as Clawdbot and Moltbot.

Molty is the space lobster AI mascot of OpenClaw. The playful crustacean theme is part of the project's identity and community culture.

Yes. Many users run OpenClaw for business tasks: managing company communications, processing documents, automating workflows, and even running customer support. One user said "it's running my company."

MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers give OpenClaw access to external tools and APIs. You can connect MCP servers for GitHub, databases, Notion, Slack, and more to extend what your assistant can do.

OpenClaw is an independent open-source project and is not affiliated with Anthropic. However, it can use Claude models from Anthropic as its AI backend, among other model providers.

OpenClaw is open source, runs on your machine, has persistent memory, supports any AI model, and is infinitely extensible via skills. Unlike Siri, it can actually browse the web, write code, manage files, and automate complex workflows.

Some users do give OpenClaw access to their financial tools for tasks like expense tracking and reimbursement. As with any AI tool, use caution and test with small amounts first.

Run npm update -g openclaw to update to the latest version. If you installed from source, git pull and rebuild. OpenClaw is actively developed with frequent releases.

Join the OpenClaw Discord community for support, tips, and shared skills. You can also check the official docs at docs.openclaw.ai or the GitHub repository.

Yes! With ElevenLabs integration, OpenClaw can make voice calls. Users have reported receiving calls from their assistant with custom voice accents.