Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about OpenClaw.
What is OpenClaw?
OpenClaw is an open-source personal AI assistant that connects to multiple messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, and Slack. It allows you to run your own AI assistant with full privacy and control.
Is OpenClaw free?
Yes, OpenClaw is completely free and open source under the MIT license. You only need to pay for the AI model API you choose (e.g., Anthropic Claude or OpenAI GPT). Many models offer free tiers.
How do I install OpenClaw?
Install OpenClaw using npm: npm install -g openclaw. Then run openclaw onboard to configure your first channel. For detailed instructions, see our Installation Guide.
What AI models does OpenClaw support?
OpenClaw supports 20+ AI models including Anthropic Claude (Opus 4, Sonnet 4), OpenAI GPT-5.1 Codex, GPT-5.3 Codex, Google Gemini 3, GLM/Z.AI, DeepSeek, Kimi, Mistral, Llama, Qwen, and more. You can switch models by changing one line in your configuration.
Is OpenClaw safe to use?
OpenClaw is designed with security in mind. As a self-hosted solution, your data never leaves your server. We recommend following our Security Hardening Checklist for production deployments.
Can OpenClaw work with WhatsApp?
Yes, OpenClaw supports WhatsApp integration via Baileys. You can connect your AI assistant to WhatsApp in minutes using QR code pairing.
What programming languages does OpenClaw use?
OpenClaw is built with TypeScript and Node.js, making it easy for developers to extend and customize.
How does OpenClaw compare to ChatGPT?
Unlike ChatGPT (cloud-based), OpenClaw is self-hosted, giving you complete privacy and data control. OpenClaw also supports multi-channel integration (WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord) which ChatGPT does not.
Can I run OpenClaw on my own server?
Yes, OpenClaw is designed to be self-hosted. You can run it on any server with Node.js 22+, including cloud VPS, home servers, or even a Raspberry Pi.
Does OpenClaw support voice messages?
Yes, OpenClaw supports voice messages on channels that support it (WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord). You can use voice input and receive voice responses.
How do I add custom skills to OpenClaw?
OpenClaw has a Skills system that allows you to extend its capabilities. Check our Skills documentation for guides on creating custom skills.
What platforms does OpenClaw support?
OpenClaw runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows (via WSL2). Companion apps are available for iOS and Android.
Does OpenClaw support Chinese AI models?
Yes, OpenClaw supports Chinese AI models including GLM (Z.AI), DeepSeek, Kimi (Moonshot), Qwen, and Doubao (Volcano Engine). These can be configured through custom providers.
What is the best channel for iMessage?
BlueBubbles is the recommended method for iMessage integration. It provides full feature support including edit, unsend, reactions, and group management. Legacy iMessage via imsg CLI is deprecated.
Still Have Questions?
Join our community or check the full documentation.