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OpenClaw FAQ: install, models, cost & security

Quick answers to common OpenClaw questions on installation, models, channels, skills, cost, and security. Start here before expanding scope.

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Installation

One-liner install? macOS/Linux: curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash. Windows: iwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1 | iex. Or npm install -g openclaw@latest then openclaw onboard --install-daemon.
Node version? Node.js ≥ 22, prefer 24. Use node -v.
First step after install? Run openclaw onboard --install-daemon for model, API key, platform, and permissions. Then check openclaw --version and openclaw gateway status.
Docker vs script? For first run, prefer script or npm for speed. Docker when you need isolation or production deployment.

First model choice? Use a stable route first, not the strongest model.
Unexpected cost spike? Often due to long context, more tool calls, or fallback use. Set limits: openclaw config set ai.dailyLimit 1000, openclaw config set ai.monthlyBudget 50.
Local models? Supported, but better as a route option than the default for complex tasks.
Config commands:

openclaw config set model.provider deepseek
openclaw config set model.api_key sk-***
openclaw config set model.name deepseek-chat
openclaw doctor

How many channels? 12: WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, Feishu, DingTalk, Signal, iMessage, Teams, Google Chat, Matrix, WebChat.
First channel? Connect the one you actually use (e.g. team chat).
Feishu plugin? openclaw plugins install @openclaw/feishu for Feishu integration.

Install command: openclaw skills install @clawhub/xxx
ClawHub size? 5,700+ community skills, 40–60 new per day. Verified badge = officially reviewed.
How many to start? 3–5 starter skills: web search, summarization, browser. Not more on day one.

When to set limits? Early. Daily and monthly limits before running heavy workloads.
Fallback? Keep it narrow. It's a backup, not free unlimited use.

Three-layer model? Docker network isolation → Sandbox tool filters → Agent tool permissions.
Third-party skills? Don't trust by default. Prefer ClawHub verified skills.
Audit: openclaw security audit --deep

First actions: openclaw doctor → openclaw doctor --repair → openclaw gateway restart → openclaw logs --follow. Don't delete config or reinstall first.
Backup config: cp -r ~/.openclaw ~/.openclaw-backup