---
title: "Deploy OpenClaw in One Click | Hostman Docs"
description: "Deploy a self-hosted AI assistant OpenClaw on a Hostman server in one click, configure it, and set up a web interface with this step-by-step guide."
---

> For the complete documentation index for AI agents, see [llms.txt](https://hostman.com/llms.txt).

[OpenClaw](https://openclaw.ai/) is a self-hosted AI assistant that can be deployed on a cloud server. Unlike traditional chatbots, OpenClaw not only responds to requests but can also perform real actions: send messages, process data, work with files, and interact with external services.

You can interact with OpenClaw through messaging platforms, or directly via API or the command line.

## Creating a Server

To run OpenClaw, create a server with an appropriate configuration in the dashboard.

1.  Go to **Cloud Servers**.
2.  Click **Create Server**.
3.  Choose the region where the server will be deployed.
4.  In the next step, open the **Marketplace** tab and select the **OpenClaw** image.

![5ca847c9 3380 460b Beea A01f1ce99f03](https://content.hostman.com/assets/58773efc-d41d-4893-bb8f-50fe7a1bc9ad.png?width=743&height=479)

5.  Select the server configuration. We recommend the following specifications:
    

-   -   4 CPU cores
    -   8 GB RAM
    -   160 GB NVMe storage

6.  Configure the remaining parameters (you can leave them unchanged).
7.  Click **Create**.

## OpenClaw Basic Setup

After the server is created, complete the initial OpenClaw configuration.

Connect to the server via SSH. The connection details (IP address, username, password, or SSH key) are available in the server **Dashboard** tab.

![15182e5d F166 40cb Bbe1 F32fa7c27d2a](https://content.hostman.com/assets/25a104aa-4396-4792-a0b0-339392fa5187.png?width=1562&height=1521)

When you log in for the first time, the OpenClaw setup wizard starts automatically. If it does not start or was closed, you can launch it manually:

```shell
openclaw onboard
```

Then follow these steps:

1.  Review the disclaimer and accept the terms by selecting **Yes**.
2.  In **Onboarding** **mode**, choose **QuickStart**.
3.  In **Model/auth provider**:
    -   If you have an API key from an external provider, select that provider.
    -   If you're planning to use Hostman's AI agents, select **Skip for now**.
4.  In **Filter models** **by provider**, choose **All providers**.
5.  Leave **Default model** unchanged.
6.  At **Select channel (QuickStart)**, you can configure a messaging platform. See the [instructions below](https://hostman.com/docs/cloud-servers/administration/deploying-openclaw/#connecting-telegram) to connect Telegram at this point.
7.  At **Configure skills now?**, select **No**.
8.  At **Enable hooks?**, choose **Skip for now** (press Space, then Enter).
9.  At **How do you want to hatch your bot?**, select **Do this later**.

![6ed980ec 12a2 42b2 B6cf E8b92e9027fb.png](https://content.hostman.com/assets/0384f4fe-7489-43e7-8c7a-8bf9db0b8487.png?width=1502&height=1376)

_[OpenClaw](https://openclaw.ai/) setup wizard_

## Connecting to AI Agents

If you're planning to use [Hostman's AI agents](https://hostman.com/docs/ai-agents/), run the following command to launch the connection script:

```shell
curl -fsSL https://st.hostman.com/cloud-static/hostman-openclaw-autoinstall.sh -o /tmp/hostman-openclaw-autoinstall.sh && bash /tmp/hostman-openclaw-autoinstall.sh
```

The script will prompt you to enter:

-   [Agent's base URL](https://hostman.com/docs/ai-agents/api-usage/openai-compatible-api/#base-url)
-   [Agent's API key](https://hostman.com/docs/ai-agents/manage-agents/api-access-key/)

Confirm the values by pressing `Y`.

This launches the OpenClaw console interface. You can check that the connection works by sending a test message.

If you need to change these settings later, run the setup wizard again with:

```shell
openclaw onboard
```

To interact with OpenClaw from the terminal, use its text interface. Launch it with:

```shell
openclaw tui
```

This opens an interactive console where you can send messages to the agent, view its responses, and track its activity.

## Connecting Telegram

To interact with OpenClaw via Telegram, you need to create your own bot and obtain an API key. This can be done using the official Telegram bot `@BotFather`.

In Telegram:

1.  Open [@BotFather](https://t.me/BotFather) and start a conversation.
2.  Run the `/newbot` command.
3.  Enter a bot name (this will be displayed in chats).
4.  Enter a unique username that must end with bot (for example, `openclaw_hostman_bot`).

After completing these steps, BotFather will generate an API key. This key is required to integrate the Telegram bot with OpenClaw.

Return to the OpenClaw setup wizard. At **Select channel (QuickStart)**:

-   Choose **Telegram**
-   Paste the API key you received

Complete the setup and start a conversation with your bot by sending:

```shell
/start
```

The bot will reply with a pairing code.

On the server, run:

```shell
openclaw pairing approve telegram <code>
```

Replace `<code>` with the pairing code you received from the Telegram bot.

Once approved, the bot is ready to use. You can send commands and interact with the agent directly through Telegram.

## Web Interface

The web interface can be used to interact with the agent and manage its operation. Through it, you can communicate with the bot, check active sessions and their status, manage access tokens, and perform basic configuration. The interface is intended for administration and debugging and is not designed for public internet access.

![8e54273c 0fa2 4d32 Bd49 A631750ec42f](https://content.hostman.com/assets/43c23ed8-3b14-430b-bdd1-daccfb649b59.png?width=2934&height=1670)

_Chat section in the [OpenClaw](https://openclaw.ai/) web interface_

To access the web interface, run the following command after connecting to the server via SSH:

```shell
openclaw dashboard
```

You will receive output similar to:

```shell
🦞 OpenClaw 2026.2.3-1 (d84eb46) — I keep secrets like a vault... unless you print them in debug logs again.

Dashboard URL: http://127.0.0.1:18789/?token=c6aaee5ae1fd9a7925892f4738f37deb01d2bd13d0c11199
Copy to clipboard unavailable.
No GUI detected. Open from your computer:
ssh -N -L 18789:127.0.0.1:18789 root@147.45.148.206
Then open:
http://localhost:18789/
http://localhost:18789/?token=c6aaee5ae1fd9a7925892f4738f37deb01d2bd13d0c11199
Docs:
https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/remote
https://docs.openclaw.ai/web/control-ui
```

This command is used to generate a token. You will need the value from the `Dashboard URL` line.

By default, the web interface is available only locally on the server and is not accessible externally. For remote access, it is recommended to use an SSH tunnel. On your local machine, run:

```shell
ssh -N -L 18789:127.0.0.1:18789 root@server_IP
```

After establishing the connection, open the URL obtained earlier in your browser:

```shell
http://127.0.0.1:18789/?token=c6aaee5ae1fd9a7925892f4738f37deb01d2bd13d0c11199
```

## Updating OpenClaw

To update OpenClaw, run:

```shell
openclaw update
```

This command updates both OpenClaw and any installed plugins.

To check the current version, run:

```shell
openclaw --version
```