# How to Install OpenClaw on a Hostcarts VPS (Step‑by‑Step)

https://hostcarts.qa/knowledgebase/article/how-to-install-openclaw-on-a-hostcarts-vps-stepbystep

Here’s the clean, correct, Hostcarts‑friendly way to install **OpenClaw** on your VPS.
I’ll give you the exact commands, the required environment, and the recommended production setup — all aligned with the latest OpenClaw installation guides.

## ✅ **How to Install OpenClaw on a Hostcarts VPS (Step‑by‑Step)**

(OpenClaw requires **Node.js 22+**, **Git**, and a Linux VPS — Hostcarts VPS is perfect.)

### **Update your VPS**

```
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
```

### **Install Node.js 22 (required by OpenClaw)**

```
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs
```

Verify:

```
node -v
```

Should show **v22.x.x**

### **Install Git**

```
sudo apt install -y git
```

### **Install OpenClaw (official one‑command installer)**

According to the latest OpenClaw VPS installation guides [vpswala.org](https://vpswala.org/blog/install-openclaw-vps/):

```
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/openclawhq/openclaw/main/install.sh | bash
```

This script will:

- Install OpenClaw Gateway
- Install dependencies
- Create the system directory `/opt/openclaw`
- Set up the dashboard on port **18789**

### **Start OpenClaw**

```
cd /opt/openclaw
npm install
npm run start
```

You can now access the dashboard at:

```
http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:18789
```

## **(Recommended) Run OpenClaw as a systemd service**

This ensures OpenClaw stays online 24/7 — essential for WhatsApp/Telegram bots.

Create service file:

```
sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/openclaw.service
```

Paste:

```
[Unit]
Description=OpenClaw Gateway
After=network.target

[Service]
Type=simple
User=root
WorkingDirectory=/opt/openclaw
ExecStart=/usr/bin/npm run start
Restart=always

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
```

Enable + start:

```
sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable openclaw
sudo systemctl start openclaw
```

Check status:

```
systemctl status openclaw
```

## **Secure your VPS (UFW Firewall)**

From the official guide [vpswala.org](https://vpswala.org/blog/install-openclaw-vps/):

```
sudo ufw allow 22
sudo ufw allow 18789
sudo ufw enable
```

## **Connect WhatsApp or Telegram**

OpenClaw dashboard → **Channels** → choose WhatsApp or Telegram.
The official guide confirms both are supported [vpswala.org](https://vpswala.org/blog/install-openclaw-vps/).

## **Connect your AI model**

OpenClaw supports:

- OpenAI
- Claude
- Gemini
- Local models (Ollama)

Dashboard → **Models** → Add API key.

## **Keep OpenClaw Updated**

```
cd /opt/openclaw
git pull
npm install
systemctl restart openclaw
```

Your OpenClaw is now fully installed on Hostcarts VPS