How to Set Up OpenClaw on Ubuntu
This guide is based on official OpenClaw documentation and practical deployment experience. If you need quick OpenClaw setup on Ubuntu, these are the essentials you should not skip.
Step 1: Start with a clean base and preflight
Use a clean Ubuntu LTS image when possible. Validate runtime requirements, network access, and shell permissions before installation.
Step 2: Use installer-script-first workflow
Official docs recommend installer-based setup for most users because it handles Node detection, installation, and onboarding in one flow.
Step 3: Configure channel policies early
Define DM and group policy before inviting real users. Pairing/allowlist strategy prevents accidental open access.
Step 4: Verify operations, not just startup
Run status, health checks, restart tests, and message flow tests. A running process is not enough; production requires predictable behavior after reconnects and restarts.
Step 5: Document maintenance
Prepare a short runbook for updates, audit checks, and incident response. This keeps your setup maintainable beyond day one.