OpenClaw Network FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about the OpenClaw network. From installation and setup to security, skills, SOUL.md, and troubleshooting - get help with openclaw from the community.

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General Questions About OpenClaw Network

Learn the basics about the OpenClaw network, its history, and what makes openclaw unique.

The OpenClaw network is the community and ecosystem around OpenClaw, an open-source personal AI assistant that runs locally on your devices. The openclaw network includes:

  • Core Software: OpenClaw runtime (180K+ GitHub stars)
  • Skills Marketplace: ClawHub with 5,705 community skills
  • SOUL.md System: Programmable AI personality
  • Community: 900+ contributors and thousands of users
  • Multi-Platform Integration: WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, and 11+ platforms

Unlike cloud-based AI assistants, the OpenClaw network runs on your own hardware, giving you complete privacy and control over your openclaw assistant.

Yes! The OpenClaw network is completely free and open-source (MIT license). You can download, install, and use openclaw without any costs.

What you pay for:

  • AI Model APIs: If you use Claude (Anthropic) or GPT (OpenAI), you pay their API fees
  • Local Models: Run completely free via Ollama (qwen3-coder, glm-5) in the OpenClaw network

The OpenClaw network software itself costs nothing. 100% free and open-source.

The OpenClaw network was created by Peter Steinberger, a developer who launched openclaw as "Clawdbot" in November 2025. Peter is also the creator of the SOUL.md personality system.

Today, the OpenClaw network is maintained by 900+ contributors worldwide, making it a true community-driven project.

The OpenClaw network has an interesting naming history:

  • November 2025: Launched as "Clawdbot"
  • January 27, 2026: Renamed to "Moltbot" after Anthropic requested a change due to phonetic similarity to "Claude"
  • January 29, 2026: Used "Moltbot" for only 2 days
  • January 30, 2026: Final rename to "OpenClaw" - a proactive decision to avoid future trademark conflicts

Peter Steinberger said "Moltbot never grew on him," so the OpenClaw network adopted its final name just 3 days after the first rename.

Technical Questions About OpenClaw Network

System requirements, AI models, platforms, and technical specifications for openclaw.

To run the OpenClaw network, you need:

  • Node.js 22+ (required runtime for openclaw)
  • Operating System: macOS, Linux, or Windows (WSL2 recommended)
  • RAM: 2GB minimum, 4GB+ recommended
  • Storage: 500MB+ for openclaw and dependencies
  • Internet Connection: For cloud AI models and messaging platforms

The OpenClaw network is lightweight and runs on most modern computers.

The OpenClaw network is model-agnostic and supports many AI models:

Cloud Models:

  • Anthropic Claude: Opus 4.6, Sonnet 4.5, Haiku 4.5
  • OpenAI GPT: GPT-5, GPT-5.3-Codex
  • Chinese Models: Kimi K2.5, GLM 5, MiniMax 2.5
  • OpenRouter Auto: Cost-optimized automatic model selection

Local Models (via Ollama):

  • qwen3-coder
  • glm-5
  • Any model with 64K+ token context

Yes! The OpenClaw network supports local models via Ollama integration (announced February 1, 2026). 

ollama launch openclaw

Recommended local models for the OpenClaw network:

  • qwen3-coder: Excellent for openclaw development tasks
  • glm-5: Strong coding and reasoning

Requirement: Models must support 64,000+ token context for optimal OpenClaw network performance.

Benefits: No API costs, complete privacy, run openclaw offline.

The OpenClaw network integrates with 11+ messaging platforms:

  • WhatsApp (most popular)
  • Telegram
  • Slack
  • Discord
  • Signal
  • iMessage (via BlueBubbles)
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Google Chat
  • Matrix
  • Zalo
  • WebChat

You can connect openclaw to multiple platforms simultaneously. One OpenClaw network instance, interact everywhere.

Yes! The OpenClaw network supports all major operating systems:

  • macOS: Native support, includes Voice Wake features
  • Linux: Full support on all major distributions (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch, etc.)
  • Windows: Works on Windows 10/11, WSL2 recommended for best OpenClaw network experience

Features & Capabilities in OpenClaw Network

Learn about SOUL.md, skills, capabilities, and what makes openclaw powerful.

SOUL.md is the OpenClaw network's revolutionary programmable AI personality system. It's a Markdown file that defines your openclaw assistant's personality, values, and communication style.

How it works:

  • Every time your OpenClaw network agent starts, it reads SOUL.md first
  • The file is "read into being" - becoming the assistant's personality
  • You can make your openclaw assistant formal, conversational, sassy, or give it strong opinions
  • Each workspace can have a different SOUL.md

Peter Steinberger's philosophy: "Be the assistant you'd actually want to talk to at 2am. Not a corporate drone. Not a sycophant. Just... good."

Learn more about SOUL.md →

The OpenClaw network has a massive skills ecosystem:

  • 5,705 community skills on ClawHub (as of February 7, 2026)
  • 53 official bundled skills included with openclaw
  • 25 core tools for essential functionality

Skills extend openclaw capabilities for productivity, development, automation, and more. ClawHub is like "npm for AI agents" in the OpenClaw network.

The OpenClaw network can handle a wide range of tasks:

  • Messaging: Interact via WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, and 11+ platforms
  • Email Management: Read, compose, and manage emails
  • Calendar: Schedule events and manage appointments
  • Command Execution: Run commands on your system
  • Information Summarization: Summarize documents, articles, and data
  • Development Tasks: Code assistance with GPT-5.3-Codex or Claude Opus 4.6
  • Automation: Create workflows across your digital life
  • Custom Skills: Extend with 5,705 community skills on ClawHub

Unlike ChatGPT or Claude web interfaces, the OpenClaw network can execute actions across your systems and apps.

Yes! The OpenClaw network includes persistent memory that recalls past interactions over weeks.

With Voyage AI memory support, your openclaw assistant:

  • Remembers previous conversations
  • Adapts to your habits and preferences
  • Maintains context across sessions
  • Builds long-term understanding

This is one of the four primitives that enable agent societies in the OpenClaw network (persistent identity, periodic autonomy, accumulated memory, social context).

Installation & Setup for OpenClaw Network

Get help installing, setting up, and updating openclaw.

There are two ways to install the OpenClaw network:

Method 1: npm (Recommended)

npm install -g openclaw@latest

Method 2: One-Line Installer

curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash

After installation, run openclaw --version to verify. Current version: v2026.2.6 (released February 7, 2026).

View detailed installation guide →

The OpenClaw network onboarding process takes under 10 minutes total.

Setup steps:

  1. Run openclaw onboard
  2. Select your messaging platform (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)
  3. Configure your AI model (Claude, GPT, or local)
  4. Complete setup wizard

Your OpenClaw network assistant is ready to use in minutes!

Quick start guide →

Update the OpenClaw network to the latest version with: 

npm install -g openclaw@latest

Important: Always update to the latest version for security patches. CVE-2026-25253 was patched in v2026.1.29, and VirusTotal integration was added in v2026.2.6.

Check your current openclaw version: 

openclaw --version

Skills & Extensions in OpenClaw Network

Everything about openclaw skills, ClawHub, and extending functionality.

Skills are SKILL.md files that teach the OpenClaw network how to use specific tools and workflows. They follow the AgentSkills specification.

Skills extend openclaw capabilities beyond the core functionality. Think of them like apps or plugins for your OpenClaw network assistant.

Types of skills:

  • AI/ML tools
  • Development utilities
  • Productivity tools
  • Web automation
  • Media processing
  • And 6 more categories with 5,705 total skills
Complete skills guide →

Install OpenClaw network skills from ClawHub: 

openclaw skill install [skill-name]

Browse available skills at claw-hub.net

Installation steps:

  1. Browse ClawHub for openclaw skills
  2. Check VirusTotal scan results (v2026.2.6+)
  3. Run install command
  4. Restart OpenClaw network

Yes! Anyone can create skills for the OpenClaw network.

How to create openclaw skills:

  1. Create a SKILL.md file following AgentSkills spec
  2. Define prompts, tools, and workflows
  3. Test your OpenClaw network skill
  4. Publish to ClawHub marketplace

Join 5,705 community skills on ClawHub and share your openclaw creation!

Skill creation guide →

Not always. The OpenClaw network has faced security challenges with skills:

  • 341 malicious skills identified on ClawHub
  • 7.1% of 4,000 skills mishandle secrets (Snyk research)
  • Some skills perform data exfiltration

Protection (v2026.2.6):

  • VirusTotal integration scans all ClawHub skills
  • Code Insight analyzes openclaw skill code
  • Community ratings and reviews

⚠️ Always:

  • Check VirusTotal scan results before installing
  • Review skill source code on GitHub
  • Verify author reputation in OpenClaw network community
Safe skills installation guide →

Security & Privacy in OpenClaw Network

Critical security information about CVE-2026-25253, malicious skills, and protecting your openclaw installation.

The OpenClaw network has faced significant security challenges. Honest assessment:

Security Issues:

  • Called "security dumpster fire" by npm founding CTO
  • Cisco: "security nightmare"
  • Palo Alto Networks: "potential biggest insider threat of 2026"
  • CVE-2026-25253 (critical one-click RCE vulnerability)
  • 341 malicious skills on ClawHub
  • 21,639 exposed instances worldwide

Security Improvements:

  • VirusTotal integration (v2026.2.6)
  • Rapid patching of vulnerabilities
  • Enhanced ClawHub moderation
  • Security best practices documentation

Recommendation: Use the OpenClaw network cautiously. Always update to latest version, review skills before installing, and follow security best practices.

Complete security guide →

CVE-2026-25253 is a critical vulnerability in the OpenClaw network with CVSS score 8.8 (high severity).

Vulnerability details:

  • Type: One-click remote code execution (RCE)
  • Attack: Cross-site WebSocket hijacking
  • Cause: OpenClaw server doesn't validate WebSocket origin header
  • Impact: Attackers can execute arbitrary commands on openclaw system

Protection:

  • Patched in v2026.1.29
  • Update to v2026.2.6+ immediately
npm install -g openclaw@latest
CVE-2026-25253 details →

OpenClaw v2026.2.6 (released February 7, 2026) includes VirusTotal integration - a partnership with Google-owned VirusTotal.

Features:

  • Automatic scanning: All 5,705 skills on ClawHub scanned with VirusTotal
  • Code safety scanner: Built into openclaw for skill and plugin analysis
  • Code Insight: Deep analysis identifies obfuscated malware and backdoors
  • Scan results: Displayed before installing OpenClaw network skills

This helps protect the OpenClaw network from the 341 malicious skills previously identified.

API keys for Claude, GPT, and other AI models are critical to protect in the OpenClaw network:

Best practices:

  • Never commit to Git: Use .gitignore for openclaw credential files
  • Use environment variables: Store keys in .env files (excluded from Git)
  • Rotate regularly: Change API keys every 30-90 days
  • Monitor usage: Check for unusual activity in OpenClaw network

⚠️ Warning: 7.1% of openclaw skills mishandle secrets. Protect your API keys!

API key protection guide →

Yes, by design. The OpenClaw network prioritizes privacy:

  • Runs locally: OpenClaw runs on your own hardware, not cloud servers
  • Your data stays with you: No data sent to openclaw servers
  • Model-agnostic: You choose which AI model to use
  • Open-source: Code is auditable

Privacy considerations:

  • AI model providers (Claude, GPT) see your prompts
  • Malicious openclaw skills could exfiltrate data (review before installing)
  • Use local models via Ollama for complete privacy

OpenClaw Network vs Other AI Assistants

How openclaw compares to ChatGPT, Claude, GitHub Copilot, and other AI assistants.

The OpenClaw network and ChatGPT serve different purposes:

Feature OpenClaw Network ChatGPT
Where it runs Local (your hardware) Cloud (OpenAI servers)
Platform integration 11+ platforms (WhatsApp, Slack, etc.) Web/app only
Personality Customizable (SOUL.md) Fixed
Actions Execute commands, manage systems Text responses only
Extensions 5,705 skills Limited plugins

Bottom line: OpenClaw network is a local AI assistant that executes actions. ChatGPT is a cloud chatbot.

Detailed comparison →

Yes! The OpenClaw network is model-agnostic. You can use:

  • Claude Opus 4.6 (Anthropic) as your openclaw brain
  • GPT-5 or GPT-5.3-Codex (OpenAI) as your openclaw brain
  • Both simultaneously for different workspaces
  • Local models via Ollama for complete privacy

OpenClaw network gives Claude and ChatGPT "hands" to execute actions across your systems. It's not an alternative to Claude/GPT - it's a way to use them better.

Choose the OpenClaw network when you want:

  • Privacy: Runs locally on your hardware, complete data control
  • Platform integration: Connect to WhatsApp, Slack, Discord, and 11+ platforms
  • Customizable personality: SOUL.md makes your openclaw assistant uniquely yours
  • Action execution: Not just chat - actually does things across your systems
  • Model freedom: Use Claude, GPT, or local models - your choice
  • Extensibility: 5,705 community skills on ClawHub
  • Open-source: Free, transparent, community-driven

Community & Support for OpenClaw Network

Get help, join the openclaw community, and contribute to the project.

Multiple ways to get help with the OpenClaw network:

  • Discord: Real-time support from openclaw community (discord.com/invite/clawd)
  • GitHub Issues: Report bugs and request features (GitHub)
  • Documentation: Official openclaw docs (docs.openclaw.ai)
  • This FAQ: Common questions about the OpenClaw network

Join the thriving OpenClaw network community:

  • GitHub: Star the repository, contribute code (180K+ stars, 900+ contributors)
  • Discord: Join thousands in real-time chat (discord.com/invite/clawd)
  • OpenClaw Social: AI agent community (openclawsocial.org)
  • X/Twitter: Follow openclaw discussions
Community hub →

Contribute to the OpenClaw network in many ways:

  • Code: Submit pull requests on GitHub
  • Skills: Create and publish openclaw skills to ClawHub
  • SOUL.md: Share personality templates
  • Documentation: Improve guides and tutorials
  • Support: Help newcomers in Discord
  • Security: Report vulnerabilities responsibly
How to contribute →

Report OpenClaw network bugs on GitHub:

  1. Visit GitHub Issues
  2. Search existing issues to avoid duplicates
  3. Create new issue with detailed description
  4. Include openclaw version, OS, steps to reproduce

Security vulnerabilities: Report privately to openclaw maintainers first (like CVE-2026-25253 was reported).

Troubleshooting OpenClaw Network Issues

Common problems and solutions for openclaw installation and usage.

If the OpenClaw network command isn't recognized:

  1. Restart terminal: Close and reopen your terminal/command prompt
  2. Check Node.js: Run node --version (needs 22+)
  3. Verify npm global path: Ensure npm global binaries are in PATH
  4. Reinstall: npm install -g openclaw@latest

If the OpenClaw network can't connect to your AI model:

  • Verify API keys: Check keys are correct and active
  • Check internet: Cloud models require connection
  • For Ollama: Ensure Ollama is running (ollama list)
  • Test API key: Try using it in provider's web console

If openclaw can't connect to WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.:

  • Check credentials: Verify bot tokens, QR codes, etc.
  • Firewall: Allow OpenClaw network connections
  • Platform docs: Review platform-specific setup in openclaw docs
  • Reconnect: Try openclaw onboard again

If the OpenClaw network web dashboard doesn't load:

  • Start OpenClaw: Run openclaw start
  • Check port: Ensure port 18789 isn't blocked by firewall
  • Try localhost: Use http://localhost:18789/ instead
  • Check logs: Review openclaw logs for errors

The web UI was added in OpenClaw network v2026.2.6 for token usage monitoring.

Still Have Questions About OpenClaw Network?

Didn't find your answer? Join the OpenClaw network community on Discord for real-time support, explore official openclaw documentation, or report issues on GitHub.

Join Discord Community → Read Official Docs →