# OpenClaw

> *"EXFOLIATE! EXFOLIATE!"* — A space lobster, probably

**Any OS gateway for AI agents across WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, iMessage, and more.**
Send a message, get an agent response from your pocket. Plugins add Mattermost and more.

### Quick Navigation Cards
- **Get Started** - Install OpenClaw and bring up the Gateway in minutes
- **Run the Wizard** - Guided setup with `openclaw onboard` and pairing flows
- **Open the Control UI** - Launch the browser dashboard for chat, config, and sessions

## Overview

OpenClaw connects chat apps to coding agents like Pi through a single Gateway process. It powers the OpenClaw assistant and supports local or remote setups.

## Architecture

```
Chat apps + plugins → Gateway → Pi agent, CLI, Web Control UI, macOS app, iOS and Android nodes
```

The Gateway serves as the single source of truth for sessions, routing, and channel connections.

## Core Capabilities

- **Multi-channel gateway** - WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, and iMessage with one Gateway
- **Plugin channels** - Extend with Mattermost and additional packages
- **Multi-agent routing** - Isolated sessions per agent, workspace, or sender
- **Media support** - Send and receive images, audio, and documents
- **Web Control UI** - Browser dashboard for chat, config, sessions, and nodes
- **Mobile nodes** - Pair iOS and Android devices with Canvas support

## Installation Steps

```bash
npm install -g openclaw@latest
openclaw onboard --install-daemon
openclaw channels login
openclaw gateway --port 18789
```

## Dashboard Access

- **Local**: http://127.0.0.1:18789/
- **Remote**: Via web surfaces and Tailscale

## Configuration

Config location: `~/.openclaw/openclaw.json`

Default behavior: Uses bundled Pi binary in RPC mode with per-sender sessions.

Example security configuration:
```json5
{
  channels: {
    whatsapp: {
      allowFrom: ["+15555550123"],
      groups: { "*": { requireMention: true } },
    },
  },
  messages: { groupChat: { mentionPatterns: ["@openclaw"] } },
}
```

## Documentation Sections

- Docs hubs - All guides organized by use case
- Configuration - Core Gateway settings and provider config
- Remote access - SSH and tailnet access patterns
- Channels - WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord setup
- Nodes - iOS and Android pairing
- Help - Troubleshooting resources
- Features - Complete capability list
- Multi-agent routing - Workspace isolation details
- Security - Tokens, allowlists, and controls
- Troubleshooting - Gateway diagnostics