How to Install OpenClaw Using Claude Code (10-Minute Setup)

Skip the manual install. If you have Claude Code (Anthropic's CLI), just ask it to set up OpenClaw for you. It works surprisingly well.

The Entire Process

1. Run claude setup-token to generate your token
2. Tell Claude Code: "Set up OpenClaw on this machine. Here's my token: [paste]"
3. Let it do its thing

That's it. Claude Code clones the repo, installs dependencies, configures the gateway, and connects your first channels. Under 10 minutes, fully running.

Why It Works So Well

Claude Code is ideal for this because it can:

• Read the docs — it knows the OpenClaw repo and setup guides
• Understand your system — Mac vs Linux, ports in use, etc.
• Troubleshoot live — fixes errors as they happen
• Remember context — your preferences carry through the setup

It's like pair programming with a senior dev who's read all the documentation and never gets frustrated.

Pro Tip: Docker Setup

Want extra security? Tell Claude Code to "set everything up in Docker." It'll handle containers, networking, and explain what it's doing.

• Isolation — agent can't mess with your system
• Portability — move your setup to any machine
• Easy backups — save the Docker image

You don't need to know Docker. That's the whole point.

When to Go Manual

Manual install makes sense if:

• Unusual system configuration
• You want to understand every component deeply
• Team setup with custom paths

For everyone else? Let Claude do the heavy lifting. Dig into config files later once you understand what they do.

The Meta Takeaway

Setting up an AI assistant? Let an AI assist with the setup. Start with "Claude, set up OpenClaw for me" and see how far it gets you.