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What “running OpenClaw locally” means
OpenClaw is self-hosted software organized around a Gateway, which connects messaging channels such as Discord to agent capabilities. The Gateway can run on your computer or a server you control; the model that generates responses can be hosted by a provider or run locally. Those are separate choices. OpenClaw documents both hosted and local model providers, but the right option depends on your privacy, cost, and hardware needs—not on where the Gateway is installed. OpenClaw’s project repository and its official documentation describe the project and its setup.
What you need before setup
- A computer or server you control. You can start with an existing supported computer; a separate always-on machine is optional, not a stated requirement.
- A Node.js version supported by the current OpenClaw quickstart. At the time reflected in that guidance, it lists Node.js 24.16+ or 26.1+ and recommends Node 26. Check the current quickstart before installing because version requirements can change.
- Access to a model provider or a suitable local model, selected during setup.
- A Discord bot token, which OpenClaw needs to connect its Discord channel. Treat it as a secret; do not post it in a channel, publish it, or commit it to a repository.
The cited OpenClaw material does not specify minimum CPU, memory, or storage requirements. You do not need to buy a mini PC just to try the setup.
Install OpenClaw and configure the Gateway
Use the installation method in the official quickstart that fits your system. It provides platform installers as well as a package-based route for people who already manage Node.js. Follow the current page rather than relying on an old command copied from another guide.
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- Install a supported Node.js release. Confirm the version requirement in the quickstart, then use its recommended installation path for your operating system.
- Install OpenClaw and start onboarding. Run the installer or package steps shown in the quickstart, then complete the onboarding wizard. It guides configuration of the Gateway, workspace, and model access.
- Choose model access. Configure a hosted or local model provider as appropriate. The quickstart and provider documentation are the authoritative places to check current options; no particular provider’s price or performance is established here.
- Start or check the Gateway. The quickstart shows how to start the Gateway in a terminal. To check its service status, use
openclaw gateway status. - Open the Control UI. Run
openclaw dashboardto open the dashboard. Send a test message there and confirm the assistant responds before adding Discord. - Decide whether it should keep running. If you want the Gateway to continue operating beyond an active terminal session, use the background-service option described in the quickstart.
Connect OpenClaw to Discord
OpenClaw’s Discord channel connects a bot to Discord’s gateway and supports direct messages (DMs) and guild channels. You will create the bot in Discord’s Developer Portal, provide its token to OpenClaw using a supported configuration or secret-storage method, and invite it to the server where you want to use it. Follow the current Discord channel setup guide for the exact portal steps, configuration fields, and pairing flow; Discord’s interface and OpenClaw’s labels can change.
Configure the bot and its token
- Create a Discord application and bot. Use the Developer Portal steps in OpenClaw’s current Discord guide. Do not assume old screenshots or instructions still match the portal.
- Store the bot token securely. Add it through a supported OpenClaw configuration, environment, or secret-storage option described by the guide. Anyone with the token may be able to operate the bot, so keep it out of chat, screenshots, and source control.
- Invite the bot with limited permissions. Grant only the Discord permissions it needs for the channels and interactions you intend to use. Avoid broad server access as a shortcut.
- Complete pairing or access configuration. Follow the guide’s DM and guild configuration steps, and set policies before inviting other people to try the bot.
Choose where people can message it
For a controlled first test, use a direct message and the documented DM policy or pairing process. If you want the bot in a guild channel, restrict access with the documented guild and channel allowlists. Mention gating can require users to mention the bot before it responds; role-routing settings can also shape which users or routes are handled. The number of people who can trigger the agent rises when you move from a paired DM to a shared channel, so configure the intended audience rather than treating server membership as authorization.
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Test the complete message path
Verify each layer separately so a Discord problem is not confused with a Gateway or model problem.
- Run
openclaw gateway statusand confirm the Gateway is available. - Open the dashboard with
openclaw dashboardand send a test message. Confirm the assistant responds. - Send a test DM from an account allowed by your pairing or DM policy.
- If using a guild, test only in an allowed channel and follow the configured mention rules.
- If the Discord command or connection appears stale, use the channel guide’s status and probe workflow to check the integration.
A successful dashboard response confirms the Gateway/model path; it does not by itself prove that Discord is configured correctly. Test an allowed Discord DM or channel separately. These steps describe the documented setup and verification approach; no live installation or bot-message test is claimed here.
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Secure the host before expanding access
OpenClaw warns in its project README that “Tools run on the host for the main session unless you configure sandboxing.” In practice, a message can prompt an agent to use tools that affect the machine hosting the Gateway. Treat Discord messages as untrusted input, especially when people beyond you can reach the bot.
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- Keep the bot token secret and rotate it if it is exposed.
- Limit Discord permissions, users, servers, and channels to the intended scope.
- Use pairing, allowlists, and mention gating where appropriate; do not rely on a channel being obscure.
- Review OpenClaw’s security guidance and sandboxing guidance before enabling powerful tools or allowing other people to use the agent.
- Do not expose the Gateway remotely unless you have reviewed the project’s guidance for exposure and secured that access.
Choose a model and host that fit your use
| Choice | What it means | Trade-off | What is established |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosted model | The Gateway runs on your computer, while a provider handles model inference. | Convenient, but depends on an external provider and its terms, availability, and pricing. | OpenClaw documents hosted providers; current provider prices and performance are not stated here. OpenClaw documentation |
| Local model | The Gateway and model inference run on hardware you control. | Can reduce reliance on a hosted inference service, but local inference depends on suitable hardware and model configuration. | OpenClaw documents local model providers; no minimum hardware or benchmark is stated here. OpenClaw documentation |
| Existing computer | Run the Gateway on a laptop or other computer you already own. | Simple to start; the Gateway is available only while that machine and its service are running. | The project describes running on a user’s computer or a server. It does not provide a comparative hardware test. OpenClaw repository |
| Dedicated host | Keep the Gateway on a separate machine intended to stay on. | Separates the assistant from a daily-use computer, but adds a hardware and maintenance decision. | A laptop or server can host the Gateway; no mini PC requirement or product recommendation is stated. OpenClaw documentation |
| DM access | Use a private conversation with pairing or DM policy controls. | Usually easier to keep limited to approved users. | OpenClaw documents Discord DMs and access controls. Discord channel guide |
| Guild access | Let the bot respond in selected server channels. | Useful for shared use, but more people may be able to trigger the agent; allowlists and mention rules matter. | OpenClaw documents guild channels, allowlists, and mention gating. Discord channel guide |
Common setup problems
- The Gateway does not start: Check that your installed Node.js version meets the current quickstart requirement, then run
openclaw gateway statusand revisit onboarding if configuration is incomplete. - The dashboard works but Discord does not: Check that the bot token is configured correctly, the bot is online and invited, and the Discord channel setup and pairing steps are complete.
- The bot ignores a DM or guild message: Check the DM policy, pairing status, guild/channel allowlists, mention gating, and role-routing configuration. Use the channel guide’s status/probe workflow when a command or connection looks stale.
- The bot responds to more people than intended: Tighten pairing and allowlists, remove access from unintended channels, and reduce the bot’s Discord permissions before continuing.
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