OpenClaw VPS Setup (2026) – Complete Beginner Tutorial Step by Step

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfhod16u1j0

Summary

TL;DR — This tutorial guides beginners through setting up OpenClaw on a VPS, focusing on a manual, professional installation rather than a one-click option. It covers VPS selection, OS installation, OpenClaw terminal installation, AI model integration (OpenAI), Telegram bot setup for communication, and configuring recurring tasks like security audits and weather forecasts.

Key points

• Choose a manual VPS setup over one-click installations for a cleaner, more professional OpenClaw environment.

• Install OpenClaw via the terminal using the official website's command for better control and understanding.

• Integrate AI models like OpenAI using OAuth for seamless connection without needing API keys initially.

• Connect OpenClaw to Telegram by creating a bot via BotFather to interact with your AI agent through messaging.

• Configure web search capabilities using providers like Brave Search or Gemini, requiring API keys.

• Set up recurring tasks, such as weekly security audits or daily weather forecasts, through custom agents and notifications.

Takeaway — Setting up OpenClaw manually on a VPS provides a robust foundation for building and interacting with AI agents, enabling custom automations and integrations.