dvcrn OpenClaw Remote Install Skill
This skill handles remote installation and configuration of OpenClaw on remote servers via SSH with intelligent method selection and async execution support.
Log Directory
All installation logs are automatically saved to:
~/.openclaw/remote-install-logs/<host>_<timestamp>/
Each installation creates:
install.log- Main installation log with timestampsinstall_output.log- Raw command outputinstall.pid- Background process PID (async mode)install.status- Installation status: running/success/failed/timeout
A symlink latest points to the most recent log directory.
Supported Installation Methods
| Method | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
auto (default) |
Auto-detect best method based on OS | Most cases |
installer |
Official install.sh script | Standard Linux/macOS |
cli |
install-cli.sh (local prefix) | No system Node dependency |
npm |
npm install -g openclaw | Node 22+ already installed |
pnpm |
pnpm add -g openclaw | pnpm users |
docker |
Docker container | Containerized deployments |
podman |
Podman rootless container | Rootless environments |
Usage
Quick Start (Auto-detect)
./scripts/install_openclaw_remote.sh <host> <user> <key_path>
Async Installation (Recommended for long-running installs)
# Run installation in background with progress monitoring
./scripts/install_openclaw_remote.sh <host> <user> <key_path> --async
# Monitor in real-time
tail -f ~/.openclaw/remote-install-logs/latest/install_output.log
# Check status
cat ~/.openclaw/remote-install-logs/latest/install_status
With Password
./scripts/install_openclaw_remote.sh <host> <user> <password> --password-based
Force Specific Method
# Docker installation
./scripts/install_openclaw_remote.sh <host> <user> <key_path> --docker
# Podman installation
./scripts/install_openclaw_remote.sh <host> <user> <key_path> --podman
# npm method (if Node 22+ available)
./scripts/install_openclaw_remote.sh <host> <user> <key_path> --method npm
Non-interactive (Automation)
./scripts/install_openclaw_remote.sh <host> <user> <key_path> \
--non-interactive \
--configure
Custom Log Directory
./scripts/install_openclaw_remote.sh <host> <user> <key_path> \
--log-dir /path/to/custom/logs
Auto-Detection Logic
The installer automatically selects the best method:
- If
--dockeror--podmanflag: Use container method (if available) - If Node 22+ installed: Use
pnpmornpmmethod - Otherwise: Use official
install.shscript
Supported Operating Systems
- Ubuntu/Debian (apt)
- Fedora/RHEL/CentOS (dnf/yum)
- Alpine (apk)
- Arch Linux (pacman)
- macOS (Homebrew)
- Windows (WSL2) - via installer script
Post-Installation
# SSH into remote server
ssh user@host
# Check status
openclaw status
# Run diagnostics
openclaw doctor
# Configure (models, channels, etc.)
openclaw configure
# Or use Python script for non-interactive config
python3 scripts/configure_openclaw_remote.py <host> <user> \
--auth <key> --key-based --configure \
--auth-choice openai-api-key --api-key "your-key"
Configuration Options
Auth Providers (via Python script)
openai-api-key- OpenAI APIanthropic-api-key- Anthropic APIcustom-api-key- Custom OpenAI-compatible endpointazure-openai- Azure OpenAIgoogle-ai- Google AI (Gemini)mistral-api-key- Mistral AIzai-api-key- Z.AI endpoints
Secret Modes
plaintext- Store directly in config (not recommended)ref- Environment variable reference (recommended)
Gateway Modes
--gateway-mode local # Local gateway (default)
--gateway-mode remote # Remote gateway
--gateway-port 18789
Environment Variables
For secure non-interactive configuration:
export OPENAI_API_KEY="sk-..."
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="sk-ant-..."
export CUSTOM_API_KEY="your-key"
Then use --secret-mode ref to reference them securely.
Troubleshooting
SSH Issues
# Check key permissions
chmod 600 ~/.ssh/id_rsa
# Add to ssh-agent
ssh-add ~/.ssh/id_rsa
Installation Issues
- Ensure curl is installed
- Check Node.js 22+ requirement (for non-Docker methods)
- Review logs:
~/.openclaw/logs/
Docker Issues
# Check Docker status
docker ps
# View logs
docker logs openclaw
# Restart container
docker restart openclaw