What is OpenClaw and how do I use it on Contabo?
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is OpenClaw?
OpenClaw is an open-source AI agent that runs on your server and allows you to automate tasks, interact with AI models, and build AI-powered workflows.
You can purchase a VPS or a VDS on our website and install the OpenClaw add-on with no additional costs.
After ordering your Contabo VPS/VDS, you'll receive your credentials in your order confirmation email. The initial password for your 1-Click application will be the one you set during the order process. You can also find all your login information anytime in the Contabo Customer Panel, under the detailed view of your VPS/VDS.
How to install OpenClaw?
Below you will find detailed guidelines on installing and starting OpenClaw. Note: After installation, OpenClaw is configured via SSH. See How Do I Set Up a SSH Connection?
Step 1: Log in to the Customer Control Panel
Log in to the Customer Control Panel.
Navigate to Servers & Hosting → VPS/VDS.
Locate the VPS/VDS where you want to install OpenClaw.
Step 2: Start the installation
Click the Quick Action (⋮) menu next to the VPS/VDS.
Select Reinstall.
Step 3: Select Application Installation
In the installation window, switch to the Application Installation tab.
From the application list, select OpenClaw.
Step 4: Set the admin password
Enter an Admin Password.
Make sure to store the password. This password is required to access the server via SSH.
Review the information note:
- Contabo provides technical support for the VPS/VDS
- For OpenClaw configuration and usage, please refer to the OpenClaw documentation.
Step 5: Start the installation
Click Install to begin.
OpenClaw will be installed.
⏳ The installation may take several minutes.
Step 6: Connect to your VPS/VDS via SSH
OpenClaw runs securely on the server and does not expose a public web interface by default. To continue the setup, you must connect to your server using SSH.
If you are not familiar with SSH, follow this guide first: How Do I Set Up a SSH Connection?
Connect using SSH
Open a terminal on your computer.
Connect to your VPS/VDS using the root user and your server’s IP address:
ssh root@<your-server-ip>Enter the root password you set during installation when prompted.
Once connected, you will see a terminal session running on your VPS/VDS.
Step 7: Start the OpenClaw onboarding wizard
After logging in via SSH, OpenClaw may start the onboarding wizard automatically.
If it does not start, run the following command manually:
openclaw onboard
This launches the interactive OpenClaw onboarding wizard.
Step 8: Complete the OpenClaw onboarding
During onboarding, you will be guided through several steps, including:
Security warning
You must confirm that you understand OpenClaw is powerful and potentially risky.
OpenClaw can read files and run actions if tools are enabled.
Onboarding mode
QuickStart (recommended): Configure basic settings that can be adjusted later.
Manual: Full configuration during onboarding.
Model and authentication provider
Select your AI provider (e.g. OpenAI).
Choose the authentication method.
Enter a valid API key for the selected provider. A valid API key is required for OpenClaw to function.
⚠️ Important: OpenClaw may use third-party APIs (such as OpenAI), which can result in additional usage-based costs. Please note that you are responsible for securing your server, API keys, and for how OpenClaw is used.
Channel selection
Choose how OpenClaw will receive messages (e.g. Telegram, WhatsApp, Discord, etc.).
You can also skip this step and configure channels later.
Skill configuration
You may be prompted to configure skills.
Some skills require additional dependencies or API keys.
You can skip optional skills and enable them later.
Step 9: Installation completed
Once onboarding is finished, OpenClaw completes the installation and starts its gateway service.
You may see confirmation messages similar to:
Gateway service installed and running
OpenClaw agents initialized
Control UI information displayed
At this point, OpenClaw is installed and running on your VPS/VDS.
Step 10: Start the Terminal UI (Recommended)
For a terminal-based interface:
openclaw tui
This is the recommended way to interact directly with your agent.
Step 11: Accessing OpenClaw Control UI (Advanced)
OpenClaw does not expose a public web interface by default.
Instead:
The OpenClaw Control UI runs on the server itself
It listens on localhost (127.0.0.1), usually on port 18789
What does “localhost” mean?
localhost (127.0.0.1) refers to the server itself
This means the web interface is not accessible directly from your local browser
This is intentional and improves security
To securely access the Control UI from your own computer, you must use SSH port forwarding:
Create the SSH tunnel
Open a terminal on your local computer.
Run the following command (replace the IP address with your VPS/VDS IP):
ssh -N -L 18789:127.0.0.1:18789 root@<your-server-ip>- Keep this terminal window open while using the Control UI. If you close the SSH session, the Control UI will no longer be accessible.
- Open your web browser and go to:
http://localhost:18789/
This securely forwards the OpenClaw web interface from your VPS/VDS to your local machine without exposing it publicly.
Notes About Homebrew (macOS Only)
If you are installing OpenClaw locally on macOS:
Some dependencies may require Homebrew
VPS/VDS installations do not require Homebrew
⚠️Important notes
OpenClaw may generate costs through third-party services (e.g. OpenAI API usage)
You are responsible for managing API keys, usage limits, and security
Contabo does not control or monitor how OpenClaw is used.
Resources
Please note that after the installation, you are responsible for maintaining, updating, and troubleshooting the application.
In case you need assistance, please refer to the official resources:
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