The agent needs two things to work: an AI provider that supplies the model and, if you want to talk to it outside the panel, one or more channels. The commands in this guide run as the openclaw user: log in over SSH as root and run su - openclaw first.
1. Connect your AI provider
You need an account and an API key with your provider: OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, OpenRouter, Mistral or another compatible one. Model usage is billed by that provider, not by Astrol Nodes.
- From the panel: under Settings → Models → Connect provider.
- From the terminal, with the full wizard (recommended the first time):
su - openclaw
openclaw onboard
When you are done, send a message from the panel to check that the agent replies.
2. Telegram
- In Telegram, talk to @BotFather, create a bot with
/newbotand copy the token it gives you. - Add the channel:
openclaw channels add --channel telegram --token BOT_TOKEN
- Message your bot. The first time it will reply with a pairing code: the agent does not talk to strangers until you approve them.
openclaw pairing approve telegram CODE
3. Discord
- In the Discord developer portal, create an application, add a bot to it and copy its token.
- Run the channel wizard, which will ask for the token:
openclaw channels add --channel discord
- Invite the bot to your Discord server and message it. The first message returns a code you approve with
openclaw pairing approve discord CODE.
4. WhatsApp
openclaw channels login --channel whatsapp
A QR code appears in the terminal: scan it from WhatsApp under Linked devices. New contacts receive a pairing code you approve with openclaw pairing approve whatsapp CODE.
Other channels
openclaw channels add with no options lists every available channel (Slack, Signal and others). The OpenClaw channels guide explains each one.
Check that it is running
As root:
openclaw-admin gateway status
openclaw-admin logs --follow
Important: the same bot token cannot be running in two places at once (for example, on this VPS and on your computer): the channel will only deliver messages to one of them. And keep pairing enabled: anyone can message your bot.
Related
- Common OpenClaw issues
- Getting started with your OpenClaw VPS
- Basic security for your VPS with an application
Configuring the model, prompts and channels is up to you: we do not do it for you, but we help if the agent service does not start or the server fails.
Order: OpenClaw VPS in Frankfurt · in Miami
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