OpenClaw VPS: Essential Command Guide
This guide covers the essential commands to manage your OpenClaw VPS after you have logged in via SSH. Use these commands to configure your AI agent, check system status, and perform routine maintenance.
Prerequisites
Before running these commands, you must be connected to your VPS via SSH (Terminal or Putty). You will need your server's IP address and root password, which were provided in your welcome email.
⚙️ Core OpenClaw Configuration Commands
These guided commands are used to set up and connect your AI agent for the first time. Simply type the command and follow the on-screen prompts.
Command | Description |
|---|---|
setup-ai | Add or change your AI provider (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic). You will need your API key ready. |
setup-telegram | Connect a Telegram bot to your AI agent. Requires your bot token from BotFather. |
setup-whatsapp | Connect your WhatsApp account to the agent (typically via QR code scan). |
setup-custom-domain | Configure your own domain to point to your OpenClaw dashboard |
🖥️ OpenClaw CLI & Management Commands
Use these commands to interact with your agent, check its health, and perform maintenance.
Category | Command | Description |
|---|---|---|
Status | openclaw-info | Shows a quick reference of the welcome message and system status upon login. |
| openclaw-status | Displays the current status of your OpenClaw services and shows your gateway token. |
Chat | openclaw-tui | Launches an interactive terminal-based chat interface to talk to your AI agent directly from the command line. |
Logs | openclaw-logs | Views live logs from your OpenClaw container. Useful for debugging. Press |
Maintenance | openclaw-restart | Safely restarts the OpenClaw services and performs a status check afterward. |
| openclaw-update | Updates your OpenClaw installation to the latest version. |
| openclaw-backup | Creates a backup of your agent's configuration and data. |
Security | openclaw-recycle-token | Generates a new gateway token for your dashboard. Important: Update your saved token after running this. |
General | openclaw [command] | The base CLI for other specific tasks (e.g., |
📁 Important File Paths
Knowing where your configuration files are stored is useful for advanced management or manual edits.
Description | File Path |
|---|---|
API Keys | /opt/openclaw/.env |
Main Configuration | /opt/openclaw/data/.openclaw/openclaw.json |
Agent Workspace | /opt/openclaw/data/.openclaw/workspace/ |
Need Further Assistance?
If you face any issues or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out — our support team is always ready to help!
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Updated on: 16/02/2026
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