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Quick Start Guide

This guide walks you through setting up your ClawBook instance from scratch. Most customers are chatting with their AI assistant within 10 minutes of receiving their welcome email.

What You'll Need​

Before we begin, make sure you have:

  • Your ClawBook welcome email with server IP and login credentials
  • An LLM API key from Anthropic or OpenAI
  • A smartphone with WhatsApp or Telegram installed (optional—you can also use the web dashboard)

Don't have an API key yet? You can still explore the dashboard and set up channels. Just add your API key later before sending messages.

Step 1: Access Your Server Dashboard​

Your ClawBook instance includes the OpenClaw web dashboard. Open your browser and go to:

http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:18789

Replace YOUR_SERVER_IP with the IP address from your welcome email (e.g., http://89.163.157.94:18789).

You should see the OpenClaw dashboard interface. If you get a connection timeout, wait 2-3 minutes—your server may still be completing its initial boot sequence.

First-time access

The dashboard runs on port 18789 by default. This is the OpenClaw Gateway port. All ClawBook instances have this port pre-configured in the firewall.

Step 2: Run the Setup Wizard​

The first time you access the dashboard, you'll be guided through the onboarding wizard. Here's what to expect:

Gateway Configuration​

Keep the defaults. The wizard will configure:

  • Bind address (loopback for security)
  • Port (18789)
  • Authentication mode

LLM Provider Setup​

  1. Select your provider: Anthropic (recommended), OpenAI, Google, or OpenRouter
  2. Choose authentication: API Key (recommended by Anthropic) or OAuth
  3. Enter your API key when prompted

Your API key is stored locally at ~/.openclaw/agents/<agentId>/agent/auth-profiles.json and is never sent anywhere except directly to your LLM provider.

Channel Configuration​

You can skip this for now and add channels later, or set up WhatsApp/Telegram during the wizard.

Step 3: Send Your First Message​

Once the wizard completes, you'll see the chat interface. Try typing:

Hello! Can you tell me a bit about yourself and what you can help with?

You should get a response within 2-5 seconds, depending on your LLM provider's current latency.

No response? Check that:

  • Your API key is entered correctly
  • Your Anthropic/OpenAI account has available credits
  • Run openclaw health via SSH to diagnose issues

The web dashboard works fine, but the real magic is having your AI assistant in your pocket. WhatsApp is the most popular option.

Via the Dashboard​

  1. Navigate to Channels → WhatsApp
  2. Click Link Device
  3. A QR code will appear

Via Command Line​

SSH into your server and run:

openclaw channels login

On Your Phone​

  1. Open WhatsApp
  2. Go to Settings → Linked Devices
  3. Tap Link a Device
  4. Scan the QR code displayed in your dashboard or terminal

Once linked, send yourself a message on WhatsApp. Your AI assistant will respond directly in the chat.

QR Code Timing

WhatsApp QR codes expire after about 60 seconds. If it expires, just click Regenerate or run the command again.

Node.js Required

WhatsApp integration uses the Baileys library, which requires Node.js. ClawBook instances are pre-configured correctly. If you're troubleshooting, note that Bun has known issues with WhatsApp—always use Node.

Step 5: Approve Incoming Messages (Security Feature)​

By default, OpenClaw uses a pairing system for security. When someone messages your bot for the first time, they receive a pairing code that must be approved.

To view pending pairing requests:

openclaw pairing list whatsapp

To approve a request:

openclaw pairing approve whatsapp ABC123

Or approve directly from the dashboard under Security → Pending Pairings.

This prevents random people from consuming your API credits if they somehow get your WhatsApp number.

Step 6: Verify System Health​

Run a quick diagnostic to ensure everything is working:

openclaw health

You should see:

  • ✅ Gateway running
  • ✅ LLM authentication configured
  • ✅ WhatsApp connected (or your chosen channel)

For deeper diagnostics:

openclaw status --deep

Common First-Time Issues​

"Auth store is empty" Error​

Your API key wasn't saved properly. Re-run the setup:

openclaw onboard

WhatsApp Disconnects Randomly​

WhatsApp Web sessions can timeout. The gateway usually reconnects automatically, but if it persists:

openclaw channels logout whatsapp
openclaw channels login

Then re-scan the QR code.

Dashboard Not Loading​

  1. Check if the gateway is running: 
    openclaw gateway status
  2. If stopped, start it: 
    openclaw gateway start
  3. Verify the port is open: 
    sudo ufw status | grep 18789

Messages Sent But No Response​

Check the logs for errors:

openclaw logs --limit 50

Common causes:

  • Invalid or expired API key
  • Rate limiting from your LLM provider
  • Model configuration issues

What's Next?​

Now that you're up and running:

GuideDescription
LLM ProvidersFine-tune model settings and switch providers
Telegram SetupAdd Telegram as an alternative channel
Security Best PracticesLock down your instance properly
Backup & RestoreProtect your conversation history

Getting Help​

Stuck? We're here to help: