How to Install OpenClaw on Linux & Ubuntu: Complete Guide (2026)
Quick Answer: Install OpenClaw on Ubuntu or any Debian-based Linux with one command: curl -sSL https://get.openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash. Supports Ubuntu 22.04/24.04, Debian 12+, and Raspberry Pi OS. Requires Node.js 22+ (installed automatically) and 2 GB RAM minimum.
This guide covers three installation methods (one-line installer, manual npm, and Docker), systemd daemon configuration for always-on servers, Raspberry Pi setup, and Linux-specific troubleshooting.
Which Linux Distributions Does OpenClaw Support?
OpenClaw runs on any Linux distribution with Node.js 22+. These are the officially tested and supported options.
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
RecommendedLong-term support until 2027. Best tested, most community resources. Ideal for both desktop and server.
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
SupportedLatest LTS release. Full support with the one-line installer. Ships with a recent enough Node.js for manual install.
Debian 12+ (Bookworm)
SupportedStable and lightweight. Perfect for VPS and headless servers. Uses the same apt-based installer path as Ubuntu.
Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit)
SupportedARM64-based Debian derivative. Works on Pi 4 and Pi 5 with 4 GB+ RAM. Great for dedicated always-on hardware.
Fedora / Arch Linux
Community-TestedNot officially supported but community-tested and generally functional. Use the manual npm installation method.
What Are the System Requirements for OpenClaw on Linux?
OpenClaw is lightweight. Most Linux machines and even a Raspberry Pi can run it comfortably.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 1 core | 2+ cores |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB |
| Disk Space | 10 GB free | 20 GB free |
| Node.js | v22+ | v22 LTS (installer handles this) |
| Network | Internet connection | Stable broadband for API calls |
Method 1: One-Line Installer
The fastest way to install OpenClaw on any supported Linux distribution. One command handles everything.
Standard Installation
curl -sSL https://get.openclaw.ai/install.sh | bashInstalls OpenClaw and launches the interactive setup wizard. Perfect for desktop use and development.
Server / Daemon Installation
curl -sSL https://get.openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash --install-daemonSame as above, plus registers OpenClaw as a systemd service for auto-start on boot. Recommended for VPS and always-on servers.
What Does the Installer Do?
Method 2: Manual Installation
Full control over each step. Useful if you prefer to manage Node.js yourself, are on an unsupported distribution, or want to understand exactly what gets installed.
Step 1: Install Node.js 22
Add the NodeSource repository and install Node.js 22. This works on Ubuntu, Debian, and Raspberry Pi OS.
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash - && sudo apt-get install -y nodejsStep 2: Install OpenClaw via npm
Install the OpenClaw CLI globally. Do not use sudo with npm — if you get permission errors, fix npm's global directory ownership instead.
npm install -g openclawStep 3: Initialize OpenClaw
Create the configuration directory and run the setup wizard. This prompts for your AI provider, API key, and messaging platform connections.
openclaw initStep 4: Start OpenClaw
Launch the OpenClaw agent. It starts the gateway on port 18789 and begins listening for messages and automation triggers.
openclaw startFedora / Arch Users
On Fedora, replace the NodeSource apt command with: sudo dnf install nodejs (if Fedora ships Node.js 22+) or use nvm install 22. On Arch: sudo pacman -S nodejs npm. Then proceed with npm install -g openclaw as usual.
Method 3: Docker on Linux
Best for VPS and server deployments. Docker provides container isolation, easy updates, and security sandboxing.
Docker Quick Start
git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git && cd openclaw && bash docker-setup.shThe docker-setup.sh script creates the docker-compose.yml, configures volumes for persistent data (~/.openclaw for config, ~/openclaw/workspace as the agent sandbox), and starts the container.
For a detailed Docker walkthrough including security hardening, see our complete OpenClaw Docker Setup Guide.
How Do You Run OpenClaw as a Daemon on Linux?
Register OpenClaw as a systemd service so it auto-starts on boot, restarts on crash, and runs in the background 24/7.
Install as daemon (automatic)
The one-line installer can register OpenClaw as a systemd service automatically.
curl -sSL https://get.openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash --install-daemonCreate a systemd unit file (manual)
If you installed manually, create a service file to manage OpenClaw with systemd.
sudo tee /etc/systemd/system/openclaw.service > /dev/null <<'EOF'
[Unit]
Description=OpenClaw AI Agent
After=network.target
[Service]
Type=simple
User=openclaw
ExecStart=/usr/bin/openclaw start --headless
Restart=on-failure
RestartSec=10
Environment=NODE_ENV=production
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
EOFEnable and start the service
Tell systemd to start OpenClaw on boot and launch it now.
sudo systemctl daemon-reload && sudo systemctl enable openclaw && sudo systemctl start openclawCheck status, restart, view logs
Common commands for managing the OpenClaw daemon after it is running.
sudo systemctl status openclaw # Check if running
sudo systemctl restart openclaw # Restart the service
sudo journalctl -u openclaw -f # Follow live logsLinux-Specific Troubleshooting
Solutions to the most common issues when installing OpenClaw on Linux. If your problem is not listed, the public documentation includes a dedicated troubleshooting module.
"Node.js version too old" or installer fails on Node.js
Your distribution ships an outdated Node.js. Install Node.js 22 from NodeSource: curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash - && sudo apt-get install -y nodejs. Then re-run the OpenClaw installer.
EACCES: permission denied when installing npm packages
Do not use sudo with npm install -g. Instead, fix npm's default directory ownership: mkdir -p ~/.npm-global && npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global' && export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH. Add the export line to your ~/.bashrc for persistence.
"curl: command not found"
curl is not installed by default on minimal server images. Install it: sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y curl. On Fedora: sudo dnf install curl. On Arch: sudo pacman -S curl.
Port 18789 already in use
Another process is occupying OpenClaw's default port. Find it: sudo lsof -i :18789 — then stop that process or change OpenClaw's port in ~/.openclaw/config. Kill the process: kill -9 <PID>.
Ubuntu 20.04 compatibility issues
Ubuntu 20.04 is not officially supported. The default Node.js (v10/v12) is too old. Install Node.js 22 manually from NodeSource, then install OpenClaw via npm install -g openclaw. The one-line installer may not detect 20.04 correctly — use the manual method instead.
How Do You Install OpenClaw on a Raspberry Pi?
The Raspberry Pi is an excellent dedicated always-on device for running OpenClaw. Low power, low cost, and fully yours.
Hardware Requirements
- Raspberry Pi 4 (4 GB+) or Pi 5 (recommended)
- 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS (Bookworm)
- NVMe SSD via M.2 HAT (avoid microSD for reliability)
- USB-C power supply (5V 3A minimum)
Reliability Tips
- Add a USB-C UPS (~$25-40) to survive power outages
- Use NVMe SSD over microSD to prevent data corruption
- Enable watchdog timer for automatic crash recovery
- Connect via Ethernet for stable network
Install on Raspberry Pi
curl -sSL https://get.openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash --install-daemonThe same one-line installer works on Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit). Use the --install-daemon flag so OpenClaw auto-starts when the Pi boots. The installer detects ARM64 architecture automatically.
For a dedicated Raspberry Pi deep dive, see our complete installation guide which covers Pi-specific networking and hardware recommendations.
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