memex/notes/openclaw-setup-guide.org

OpenClaw Setup Guide - Complete Walkthrough

• The 15-Minute OpenClaw Setup
  • Prerequisites
  • Step 1: Install OpenClaw
  • Step 2: Configure Signal (Optional but Recommended)
  • Step 3: Set Up Your Workspace
  • Step 4: Connect to AI Models
  • Step 5: Test Your Setup
  • Next Steps
• Common Issues
  • "Command not found"
  • Signal not connecting
  • Model errors

The 15-Minute OpenClaw Setup

Prerequisites

• Linux/macOS machine (ARM64 or x64)
• Node.js 18+ installed
• Git configured

Step 1: Install OpenClaw

npm install -g openclaw
openclaw doctor

This checks your system and suggests fixes.

Step 2: Configure Signal (Optional but Recommended)

OpenClaw works great with Signal for secure messaging.

1. Install signal-cli: https://github.com/AsamK/signal-cli
2. Link your phone: signal-cli link -n "OpenClaw"
3. Configure OpenClaw to use it

Step 3: Set Up Your Workspace

mkdir -p ~/.openclaw/workspace
cd ~/.openclaw/workspace
git init

Add these files:

• SOUL.md — who you are
• USER.md — who you're helping
• AGENTS.md — your workflow rules

Step 4: Connect to AI Models

Edit ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json:

Set your primary model (Gemini is free):

{
  "agents": {
    "defaults": {
      "model": {
        "primary": "google-gemini-cli/gemini-2.0-flash"
      }
    }
  }
}

Step 5: Test Your Setup

Send a message to your Signal number or run:

openclaw status

Next Steps

• Set up skills for repeated tasks
• Configure GitOps workflow
• Add sub-agent capabilities

Common Issues

"Command not found"

Add to ~/.bashrc: export PATH="$PATH:$(npm bin -g)"

Signal not connecting

Check signal-cli is running: signal-cli daemon

Model errors

Verify your API keys are set in ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json