OpenClaw Setup Checklist: Everything Before You Start

Get a Mac Mini M4 (16GB+), VPS (4GB+ RAM), or dedicated Linux machine

Install Node.js 22+ and verify with node --version

Create an Anthropic API account and generate an API key (or OpenAI/Google)

Set API spending limits in your provider dashboard ($10-50/month to start)

Create a dedicated email account for your agent (don't use your personal one)

Install a password manager (1Password, Bitwarden) for credential storage

Create a Telegram bot via @BotFather (easiest first channel)

Set up Docker if deploying on VPS (recommended for production)

Run openclaw onboard and follow the setup wizard

Run openclaw doctor to verify your installation

Configure security: bind to localhost, enable auth token, set exec allowlists

Send your first message and verify the agent responds