What You Actually Need to Get Started

Before you can use OpenClaw, you need four things. None of them are complicated on their own, but understanding each one will save you time and frustration.

1. Hardware to Run It On

OpenClaw needs a computer that stays on. This can be:

  • A Mac Mini or spare laptop — the most popular option for personal use. A Mac Mini M-series is quiet, energy-efficient, and powerful enough to run OpenClaw alongside your normal work.
  • A VPS (Virtual Private Server) — a cloud server you rent for $10–$50/month. Good if you don't want to leave a physical computer running at home.
  • Your existing computer — possible, but the agent stops working when you shut down or close the terminal.

2. An AI Model API Key

OpenClaw itself is free, but it needs an AI model to think with. You sign up for an API key from Anthropic (Claude) or OpenAI (GPT-4) and connect it during setup. This is a monthly cost based on usage — typically $20–$100/month depending on how much you use it.

3. Installation

This is the technical part. OpenClaw is installed via the terminal (command line). If you know what OpenClaw is but have never used a terminal, this is where most people either learn or hire help.

4. A Messaging App

You need WhatsApp, Telegram, or another supported messaging platform to communicate with your agent. Most people in Canada use WhatsApp, which works well with OpenClaw's WhatsApp integration.

The Two Paths to Getting Started

There are exactly two ways to get OpenClaw running, and being honest about which path is right for you will save hours of frustration.

Path 1: DIY Installation

If you're comfortable with the terminal, you can install OpenClaw yourself. The project has good documentation, and the onboarding wizard walks you through the basics. Expect to spend 4–12 hours on the full setup including security hardening, channel connections, and workflow configuration.

The risk with DIY is security. If you skip the hardening steps or misconfigure the gateway, your agent could be exposed to the internet. This is not a hypothetical concern — over 135,000 installations were found exposed in 2026.

Path 2: Professional Setup

If you want it done right without learning terminal commands, a setup service handles everything — hardware recommendation, installation, security hardening, channel connection, agent personality configuration, and testing. You get a working agent without touching the technical side.

OpenClawGTA provides this service for individuals and businesses across Canada. See our pricing page for what's included, or book a free discovery call to discuss your specific needs.

What to Expect in the First Week

Day 1–2: Setup

Whether DIY or professional, the first two days are about getting the system running. By the end, you should have a working agent connected to WhatsApp that can respond to basic questions.

Day 3: Handover and Configuration

This is when you connect your email, calendar, and files. You also configure the agent's personality — how it talks, what tone it uses, what it's allowed to do without asking you first.

Day 4–7: Learning and Adjustment

The first week is a learning period for both you and the agent. You'll discover what kinds of requests work well, what needs more specific instructions, and where the agent needs guardrails. Most people start with low-risk tasks like email summaries and research before trusting it with more sensitive workflows.

Week 2 and Beyond: Real ROI

By the second week, most users have configured their agent well enough to handle routine tasks autonomously. This is when the time savings become tangible — inbox triage, scheduling, research, and follow-ups happen without your involvement. Users typically report saving 5–15 hours per week once the agent is fully configured.