How to Deploy OpenClaw

1. Overview

This tutorial guides you through deploying OpenClaw on a device running CasaOS, completing the basic configuration, and enabling AI model interaction via Telegram. Using a Telegram bot as the example, this tutorial covers the entire process from model provider setup to bot pairing.

1.1 Environment

• Software：CasaOS v0.4.15 / ZimaOS v1.5.4 (latest)

• Network：Must The device must be connected to the internet and able to reach the Telegram API. A wired connection is recommended for stability.

1.2 Goals

Complete the initial OpenClaw setup, including:

• Connecting a custom AI model provider

• Creating and linking a Telegram bot to enable AI chat via direct messages

• Viewing and managing OpenClaw status through the Web UI

1.3 Usage Notes

• Continuous Operation: OpenClaw is designed to run 24/7. Place your ZimaBlade in a well-ventilated area with a stable ambient temperature to ensure reliable long-term performance and prevent thermal throttling.

• Storage Expansion: The ZimaBlade’s built-in storage is limited. If you plan to use memory or logging features extensively, it is strongly recommended to attach an external drive for storing conversation history and application data.

1.3 Prerequisites

• Your device’s IP address, used to replace the <ip> placeholder in commands.

  See Step 3 at https://www.zimaspace.com/docs/zimaboard/Power-on-Zimablade for how to find it.

• An AI model API Key and basic familiarity with how to use it.

• A Telegram account.

Note: In the OpenClaw configuration interface, use the Space bar to select an option and Enter to confirm.

1.4 Steps at a Glance

• Install OpenClaw from the CasaOS / ZimaOS App Store.

• Open a terminal — connect via SSH (recommended) or use the CasaOS terminal.

• Switch to administrator mode: run su and enter the default password casaos.

• Enter the OpenClaw container: docker exec -it openclaw bash

• Launch the configuration wizard: node /app/dist/index.js config

• Configure the model provider: select Model, choose custom provider, then enter the Base URL, API Key, and model ID.

• Configure the Telegram channel: select Channels → Configure/link → Telegram, create a bot via BotFather, enter the Token, and set the DM policy to Pairing (recommended).

• Complete pairing: send /start to your bot in Telegram to receive a pairing code, then run openclaw pairing approve telegram <pairing-code> in the terminal.

• Access the Web UI at https://<ip>:24190?token=casaos.

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2. Detailed Steps

2.1 Open a Terminal

After installing OpenClaw via the CasaOS Web UI, open a terminal to begin configuration. There are two ways to do this:

A. SSH from your computer (recommended — easier to copy and paste commands)

Press Win + X on your computer to open the quick-access menu and select Terminal.
Run the following command:

ssh <username>@<ip>

For example: ssh [email protected]

If this is your first time connecting, you will see the prompt:

Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no)?

Type yes and press Enter.

B. Input directly on ZimaBlade

Connect a keyboard and monitor directly to the ZimaBlade and use the local terminal.

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2.2 Switch to Administrator Mode

Run the following command and press Enter:

su

Enter the default password casaos.

The password will not be displayed as you type — this is normal.

You now have the administrator privileges required to modify system settings.

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2.3 Enter the Configuration Wizard

Step 1 — Enter the OpenClaw container:

docker exec -it openclaw bash

When the prompt changes to root@openclaw:/app, you have successfully entered the container. All subsequent configuration must be performed from within this container. If you accidentally exit, simply run this command again.

Step 2 — Launch the configuration wizard:

node /app/dist/index.js config

Step 3 — Select the Gateway location:

When prompted with Where will the Gateway run?, select Local (this machine).

The highlighted option is the currently selected one. Press Enter to confirm.

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2.4 Configure the Model

1. Select a Provider

In Select sections to configure, choose Model.

In Model / auth provider, select custom provider.

2. Enter Model Parameters

Enter the Base URL (e.g., https://api.openai.com/v1).

Enter your API Key.

Select the API format.

Select the Model ID you want to use.

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2.5 Configure a Channel (Telegram Example)

1. Open Channel Settings

In Select sections to configure, choose Channels.

Select Configure / link.

Select Telegram from the list.

2. Get a Bot Token

Open a conversation with @BotFather on Telegram and send /newbot to start creating a bot.
BotFather will ask you to provide:

Bot Name: The display name for your bot
Username: A unique handle that must end in bot

Once created, BotFather will return an HTTP API Token

Save this Token — you will need it in the next step.

3. Enter the Bot Token

Select Enter Telegram bot token.

Paste or type the Token you received from BotFather.

4. Set the DM Access Policy

When asked Configure DM access policies now? (default: pairing), select Yes.

In Telegram DM policy, select Pairing (recommended).

Return to Select sections to configure and choose Continue (Done) to finish the Telegram setup.

5. Complete Pairing

Open your bot’s chat in Telegram and send /start. Wait for the bot to reply with a pairing code.

In the terminal, run the following command, replacing <your-pairing-code> with the code you received:

openclaw pairing approve telegram <your-pairing-code>

A success message confirms that pairing is complete. You can now chat with the AI directly through your Telegram bot.

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2.6 Access the Web Interface

Once configuration is complete, open a browser and navigate to:

https://<ip>:24190?token=casaos

Replace <ip> with your device’s IP address. This page lets you view OpenClaw’s running status, logs, and current configuration.

Finally, enjoy OpenClaw!