Self-Host OpenClaw
Full control, complete privacy. Run on your own hardware at home.
Why Self-Host?
Self-hosting gives you complete control over your AI assistant. Your data never leaves your home, you own the hardware, and there are no monthly hosting fees โ just API costs for the AI models you use.
* With local AI models like Ollama
Choose Your Hardware
OpenClaw runs well on modest hardware. Here are popular options.
Raspberry Pi 5
- Ultra low power
- Silent
- Compact
- Great for 24/7
- Limited performance
- ARM architecture
Mac Mini (M-series)
- macOS features (iMessage, Notes)
- Excellent performance
- Native ARM
- Whisper quiet
- Higher upfront cost
- Overkill for just OpenClaw
Intel NUC / Mini PC
- x86 compatibility
- Good balance
- Upgradeable
- Fan noise possible
- Higher power draw
Old Laptop
- Free if you have one
- Built-in battery backup
- Bulky
- Higher power
- May be unreliable
๐ Raspberry Pi Setup
The most popular choice for 24/7 self-hosting. Low power, silent, reliable.
What You Need
- Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB recommended)
- 128GB+ NVMe SSD or high-speed SD card
- Official Pi 5 power supply (27W)
- Case with cooling (active cooling recommended)
- Ethernet cable (more reliable than WiFi)
- Another computer for initial setup
๐ฐ Total cost: ~$120-150
Step 1: Flash the OS
Download Raspberry Pi Imager and flash Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bit) to your storage.
๐ก In Imager settings: Enable SSH, set username/password, configure WiFi if needed.
Step 2: Initial Setup
Connect Pi to your network and find its IP address. Then SSH in:
ssh pi@YOUR_PI_IPUpdate the system:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install -y git curlStep 3: Install Docker
"comment"># Install Docker
curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh
"comment"># Add your user to docker group
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER
"comment"># Log out and back in for group change
exitAfter logging back in, verify Docker works:
docker run hello-worldStep 4: Install OpenClaw
"comment"># Create directory
mkdir -p ~/openclaw && cd ~/openclaw
"comment"># Get docker-compose file
curl -O https://raw.githubusercontent.com/openclaw/openclaw/main/docker-compose.yml
"comment"># Create .env file
nano .envAdd your configuration to .env:
ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk-ant-xxxxx
TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN=123456:ABC-xxxxx
"comment"># Add other channels as neededStart OpenClaw:
docker compose up -dStep 5: Verify & Auto-Start
Check it's running:
"comment"># Check status
docker compose ps
"comment"># View logs
docker compose logs -fDocker Compose auto-restarts on boot by default. Test by rebooting:
sudo rebootAfter reboot, verify OpenClaw started automatically. You're done! ๐
๐ Mac Mini Setup
Perfect if you want macOS integration (iMessage, Apple Notes, etc.)
Why Mac Mini?
If you want OpenClaw to access macOS-specific features like iMessage, Apple Notes, Calendar, or Reminders, a Mac Mini is the best choice.
- Native macOS automation via AppleScript/Shortcuts
- iMessage integration for SMS/iMessage gateway
- Apple silicon efficiency (M-series)
- Excellent Docker performance
Quick Setup
- Install Docker Desktop from docker.com
- Enable "Start Docker Desktop when you sign in" in preferences
- Open Terminal and follow the same installation steps as Raspberry Pi (Step 4 above)
- Enable auto-login and disable sleep in System Preferences
๐ก Set "Prevent computer from sleeping automatically" and configure the Mac to restart after power failure.
๐ฅ๏ธ Generic Linux Server
For Intel NUCs, old laptops, or any x86 Linux machine.
Requirements
- Any x86_64 machine with 4GB+ RAM
- Ubuntu 22.04+ or Debian 12+
- SSD recommended (not required)
- Wired network connection
Installation
The process is identical to the Raspberry Pi setup:
"comment"># Update system
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
"comment"># Install Docker
curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER
"comment"># Log out and back in, then:
mkdir -p ~/openclaw && cd ~/openclaw
curl -O https://raw.githubusercontent.com/openclaw/openclaw/main/docker-compose.yml
"comment"># Create .env and configure
nano .env
"comment"># Start
docker compose up -d๐ Security Best Practices
Running a server at home requires good security habits.
Security Checklist
- โ Use SSH keys instead of passwords
- โ Disable root login via SSH
- โ Set up UFW firewall (allow only necessary ports)
- โ Keep system and Docker updated
- โ Use a non-root user for OpenClaw
- โ Enable automatic security updates
- โ Consider Tailscale for secure remote access
- โ Back up regularly to cloud or external drive
Quick Security Setup
Basic firewall setup with UFW:
"comment"># Install UFW
sudo apt install ufw
"comment"># Allow SSH (before enabling!)
sudo ufw allow ssh
"comment"># Enable firewall
sudo ufw enable
"comment"># Check status
sudo ufw statusRecommended: Tailscale
Tailscale creates a secure private network so you can access your home server from anywhere without exposing ports to the internet.
curl -fsSL https://tailscale.com/install.sh | sh
sudo tailscale up๐ Remote Access Options
Tailscale (Recommended)
Private VPN mesh network. Access your home server securely from anywhere. Free for personal use.
tailscale.com โCloudflare Tunnel
Expose services securely without opening ports. Good for webhooks and web interfaces.
cloudflared docs โPort Forwarding
Traditional approach. Open ports on your router. Less secure, not recommended unless necessary.
โ ๏ธ Use with cautionTotal Cost of Ownership
* Based on $25/mo average API usage. Self-hosting pays for itself in 6-12 months.
Prefer Zero Setup?
Join the waitlist for managed hosting. We handle everything, you just use the AI.