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 — 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
🍓 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
💰 Total cost: ~$120-150
Step 1: Flash the OS
Download Raspberry Pi Imager and flash Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bit) to your storage.
💡 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! 🎉
🍎 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
💡 Set "Prevent computer from sleeping automatically" and configure the Mac to restart after power failure.
🖥️ 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 -d🔒 Security Best Practices
Running a server at home requires good security habits.
Security Checklist
- ☐ Use SSH keys instead of passwords
- ☐ Disable root login via SSH
- ☐ Set up UFW firewall (allow only necessary ports)
- ☐ Keep system and Docker updated
- ☐ Use a non-root user for OpenClaw
- ☐ Enable automatic security updates
- ☐ Consider Tailscale for secure remote access
- ☐ 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 up🌐 Remote Access Options
Tailscale (Recommended)
Private VPN mesh network. Access your home server securely from anywhere. Free for personal use.
tailscale.com →Cloudflare Tunnel
Expose services securely without opening ports. Good for webhooks and web interfaces.
cloudflared docs →Port Forwarding
Traditional approach. Open ports on your router. Less secure, not recommended unless necessary.
⚠️ 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.