How OpenClaw Onboarding Works

Learn about the initial setup flow and what gets configured.

What Is Onboarding?

Onboarding is the first-time setup process that configures OpenClaw for your use case. It walks you through connecting models, channels, and basic security settings.

Quickstart vs Manual Onboarding

Quickstart

Guided wizard with recommended defaults. Best for beginners.

openclaw onboard

Manual

Full control over every setting. Best for advanced users.

openclaw configure

What the Onboard Command Does

Running openclaw onboard walks you through:

1.Model setup — Connect OpenAI, Anthropic, or Ollama
2.Channel login — Connect Telegram, Discord, or WhatsApp
3.Security defaults — Applies hardened baseline settings
4.Daemon install — Sets up auto-start on boot

Install Daemon

The --install-daemon flag sets up OpenClaw to start automatically:

openclaw onboard --install-daemon

• macOS — launchd service (runs at login)
• Linux — systemd user service
• Windows — Scheduled task

Pairing Flow

Pairing connects your devices (phone, laptop) to the gateway:

1.Run openclaw pair on your computer
2.Scan the QR code with your phone
3.Your device is now paired and can access the gateway

Troubleshooting: Pairing Required →

Gateway Authentication

OpenClaw supports three authentication modes:

Token Auth

Set a token in config. Clients pass the token when connecting.

Password Auth

Simple password-based authentication.

Device Auth

Pair devices via QR code. No persistent tokens needed.

Troubleshooting: Gateway Token Missing →

Common Onboarding Mistakes

✗Skipping daemon install — Gateway doesn't start on boot
✗Not setting allowlists — Anyone can message your bot
✗Forgetting API key — Gateway can't connect to models
✗Wrong port — Clients connect to wrong port

Ready to start?

Run onboarding and get set up in minutes.

openclaw onboard --install-daemon

Quickstart →Common Errors