How to get started with OpenClaw?

Getting started with OpenClaw can be daunting for a first-timer. [OpenClaw installation](https://roadmap.sh/openclaw/installation-guide) can feel like a lot, because it requires access to your machine, including your file system, shell, and external services like Google Calendar and email. Missing a step can leave your agent unresponsive or improperly configured, which is why getting the setup right matters. With a clean and secure setup, your phone becomes the control center, and your personalized AI agent runs tasks safely in the background on your behalf nonstop.

Is OpenClaw safe to use?

OpenClaw needs broad system access to work, and that same access is what makes a weak setup a target. To reduce risk, you need to understand what the OpenClaw agent can access on your system. If you don't set clear limits, the agent could end up accessing more than you bargained for. When setting it up, be careful and follow the [security best practices](https://roadmap.sh/openclaw/security-best-practices), as this level of control poses significant security issues. If something goes wrong due to a malicious skill, a prompt injection, or a weak setup, it can affect your system. These risks should not stop you from using OpenClaw, but rather, use them as a reason to control how you set it up. Most issues come from poor setup choices, not the tool itself.

← All Roadmaps

Download

OpenClaw

Learn to deploy and get the most out of OpenClaw

Roadmap AI TutorAI

0% Done 0 of 0 Done

Frequently Asked Questions

Open Claw is an open-source, self-hosted AI agent that connects your messaging apps to AI models you control. You run a single gateway process on your own machine or server, and it becomes the bridge between platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Discord, and an always-available AI assistant. It's designed for developers and users who want a personal AI they can message from anywhere without giving up control of their data.

Related RoadmapsAll Roadmaps →More →

Claude CodeStep-by-Step guide to becoming a Claude Code expert in @currentYear@Vibe CodingStep-by-step guide to master Vibe Coding in @currentYear@AI EngineerStep by step guide to becoming an AI Engineer in @currentYear@AI AgentsLearn to design, build and ship AI agents in @currentYear@

Join the Community

roadmap.sh is the most starred project on GitHub and is visited by hundreds of thousands of developers every month.

Rank out of 28M!

361K

GitHub Stars

Star us on GitHub

Help us reach #1

+90k every month

+2.1M

Registered Users