Usage Methods Method 1: Web UI (Recommended) The simplest method, no external services required:
Your browser will open http://127.0.0.1:18789/ where you can chat directly in the web interface.
Web UI is the recommended method as it works directly without any proxy requirements.
Method 2: Telegram Bot
Search for @BotFather on Telegram
Send /newbot to create a bot
Get the Bot Token
Enter the Token during openclaw onboard
If you’re in a region where Telegram requires a proxy: export https_proxy = http :// 127 . 0 . 0 . 1 : proxy-port export http_proxy = http :// 127 . 0 . 0 . 1 : proxy-port openclaw gateway restart
OpenClaw also supports:
WhatsApp (scan QR to connect)
Discord (requires creating a Bot)
Slack, Signal, iMessage, Microsoft Teams, etc.
Core Skills OpenClaw comes with rich built-in skills for various tasks:
File Operations Skill Function fs.readRead files (text/images) fs.writeWrite/create files fs.editEdit file content
System Operations Skill Function shell.execExecute terminal commands shell.processManage running commands browser.*Browser automation (open pages, screenshot, click, etc.)
Smart Features Skill Function web_searchWeb search web_fetchFetch web content memory_searchSearch memory memory_getRetrieve memory cron.*Scheduled tasks (reminders, automation) ttsText-to-speech
Common Commands Terminal Commands Command Function openclaw onboardRun setup wizard openclaw gateway startStart Gateway service openclaw gateway restartRestart Gateway service openclaw gateway stopStop Gateway service openclaw statusCheck running status openclaw doctorDiagnose configuration issues openclaw doctor --fixAuto-fix configuration issues openclaw dashboardOpen Web control panel openclaw logs --followView real-time logs openclaw configureModify configuration openclaw updateUpdate to latest version
Chat Commands Commands available in the chat window:
Command Function /helpShow help /newStart new conversation /resetReset conversation /stopStop current task /think <level>Set thinking depth /model <id>Switch model /verbose on/offToggle verbose mode /statusCheck status /skillsView available skills
Usage Examples Chat naturally with OpenClaw and it will understand and execute tasks:
File Operations > Create a test.txt file on my desktop with content "hello world" > Read the content of ~/Documents/notes.txt > Move all .png files from desktop to Pictures folder
Terminal Commands > List all files on my desktop > Check current system memory usage > Install the Python requests library
Browser Control > Open browser and visit google.com > Search for the latest MacBook Pro prices > Take a screenshot of the current webpage
Scheduled Tasks > Remind me to drink water every day at 9am > Remind me to take a break every hour > Remind me about the meeting tomorrow at 3pm
Programming Assistance > Write a Python script to batch rename files > What's wrong with this code: [paste code] > Create a simple HTML page for me
Recommended Models OpenClaw supports 200+ mainstream AI models through APIYI. Choose the right model for different tasks.
View Model Recommendations Check the latest scenario-based model recommendations, including text creation, programming, quick response, long document processing, and more.
Scenario-Based Recommendations Task Type Recommended Model Reason Complex Task Execution Claude Sonnet 4 Strong comprehension, accurate execution Daily Conversation GPT-5.4 Natural responses, good versatility Code Writing DeepSeek V3.2 Strong coding ability, cost-effective Long Document Processing Gemini 3.1 Pro Supports ultra-long context
