# Nix Installation Documentation

## Overview

The documentation describes setting up OpenClaw using Nix, with the primary recommended method being **nix-openclaw**, a Home Manager module that provides a pre-configured environment.

## Key Setup Method

Users are directed to paste instructions into an AI agent, which should:

1. Verify Determinate Nix installation
2. Create a local flake configuration using provided templates
3. Set up a Telegram bot with necessary credentials
4. Configure secrets management
5. Apply configuration via home-manager
6. Verify the launchd service is running

## What's Included

The nix-openclaw setup provides Gateway + macOS app + tools (whisper, spotify, cameras) — all pinned with automatic service persistence and plugin configuration capabilities.

## Nix Mode Runtime

When `OPENCLAW_NIX_MODE=1` is enabled (automatic with nix-openclaw):

- Configuration becomes deterministic and auto-install flows are disabled
- State and configuration use explicit paths via environment variables
- The macOS GUI app can enable this mode through system defaults
- Missing dependencies trigger Nix-specific error messages

## File Paths

State and configuration directories are configurable:
- `OPENCLAW_STATE_DIR` (default: `~/.openclaw`)
- `OPENCLAW_CONFIG_PATH` (default: `$OPENCLAW_STATE_DIR/openclaw.json`)

## Related Resources

The documentation references the nix-openclaw GitHub repository as the authoritative source, alongside alternative installation methods for non-Nix and containerized setups.