Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about OpenClaw
Getting Started
What is OpenClaw?
OpenClaw is an open-source self-hosted AI gateway that allows you to connect multiple AI providers and channels in one place. It gives you control over your AI interactions, privacy, and costs.
Is OpenClaw free to use?
Yes, OpenClaw is completely free and open-source (MIT license). You only pay for the AI services you connect to, such as OpenAI, Anthropic, or other providers.
What do I need to run OpenClaw?
You need Node.js 22+ and about 512MB of RAM minimum. OpenClaw can run on your local machine, a VPS, or even a Raspberry Pi. Check our installation guide for detailed requirements.
How long does it take to set up?
Basic setup takes about 10-15 minutes. With our quick start guide, you can have OpenClaw running and connected to your first AI provider in under 10 minutes.
Features & Capabilities
What AI providers does OpenClaw support?
OpenClaw supports a wide range of AI providers including OpenAI (GPT-4, GPT-3.5), Anthropic (Claude), Google (Gemini), local models via Ollama, and many more. You can also add custom providers.
Which messaging platforms can I connect?
OpenClaw supports WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, Signal, iMessage, and more. You can connect multiple channels simultaneously and route conversations intelligently.
What are AI Skills?
AI Skills are pre-built capabilities that extend OpenClaw functionality. They can include web search, file operations, database queries, and custom automation. Skills are written in markdown and can be shared with the community.
Can I use OpenClaw for business?
Absolutely. OpenClaw is used by startups, agencies, and enterprises for customer support, content creation, data analysis, and more. Self-hosting gives you control over data privacy and costs.
Security & Privacy
Is self-hosted AI secure?
Self-hosting gives you full control over your data. Your API keys and conversations stay on your infrastructure. However, you need to implement proper security measures like firewalls, SSL, and access controls. See our security guide for best practices.
What about GDPR compliance?
Since you host OpenClaw yourself, you have full control over data handling. This makes GDPR compliance easier as you control where data is stored and how it's processed. Our privacy policy provides detailed information about data collection and usage.
Are my AI API keys secure?
Yes, OpenClaw stores your API keys in encrypted configuration files. They are never exposed to external services beyond the providers you connect to. Use environment variables for production deployments.
Troubleshooting
Why is OpenClaw not responding?
First, check if the gateway is running: `openclaw gateway status`. If it's not running, start it with `openclaw gateway start`. Check the logs for any error messages and ensure you have proper API keys configured.
My AI responses are slow. What can I do?
Slow responses usually come from the AI provider, not OpenClaw. Try switching to a faster model or different provider. You can also enable response streaming for better perceived performance.
How do I reset my configuration?
Run `openclaw config get` to view your current config. To reset, you can delete the config file (usually at ~/.openclaw/config.yaml) and reconfigure with `openclaw configure`.
Affiliate Program
How does the affiliate program work?
When someone clicks your affiliate link and makes a purchase through OpenClaw Tutorials, you earn a commission. We track clicks and conversions using cookies and provide real-time statistics.
What is the commission rate?
Commission rates vary by product but typically range from 20-30%. Premium products and tools may have higher rates. Check our affiliate program page for current rates.
How do I get paid?
Commissions are tracked in real-time and paid out monthly once you reach the minimum threshold. We support PayPal, Stripe, and bank transfers.
Can I promote OpenClaw on multiple platforms?
Yes, you can promote on your website, blog, YouTube, social media, or any other platform as long as you follow our affiliate terms and do not use misleading marketing tactics.
Still have questions?
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