How to Install OpenClaw on Hostinger VPS Using Docker 2026

Install OpenClaw on Hostinger VPS

Running your own personal AI assistant platform sounds complex. But with OpenClaw and a Hostinger VPS, you can get it done in minutes. No coding skills needed. 🚀

OpenClaw (formerly known as Moltbot and Clawdbot) is an open-source AI agent that connects to WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, Signal, and more. 

It runs on your own server, meaning your data stays private and under your control. With over 150,000 GitHub stars, it has quickly become one of the most popular self-hosted AI assistant tools available.

OpenClaw acts like a digital employee. It manages emails, updates calendars, runs commands, and even automates workflows across all your messaging apps. 

And you can set it all up on a Hostinger VPS using a one-click Docker template without touching a single line of code.​

Why Host OpenClaw on a Hostinger VPS? ☁️

Running OpenClaw locally on your laptop is fine for testing. But for a real, always-on AI assistant, a VPS is essential. Here is why Hostinger stands out for self-hosted AI assistant deployment:

FeatureBenefit
One-click Docker templateNo command-line setup needed
Full root accessComplete control over your server
Dedicated CPU & RAMStable performance for WebSocket connections
Global server locationsLow latency wherever you are
Built-in Docker ManagerDeploy, update, and monitor containers from a GUI

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Path 1: Deploy OpenClaw on a Brand New VPS

If you do not have a VPS yet, Hostinger lets you deploy OpenClaw directly from its marketplace. Follow these steps:

  1. Visit the OpenClaw VPS hosting page on Hostinger.
  2. Choose a VPS plan that fits your needs.
  3. Click Deploy: OpenClaw is automatically pre-selected as your application.
  4. Optionally, purchase Nexos AI credits for built-in AI model access (no API keys needed).
  5. Complete your purchase and head to the configuration screen.

After checkout, a configuration screen will appear. You will need to set up environment variables for OpenClaw.

🔑 Configuration Options Explained

You can configure AI models in two ways:

  • Nexos AI credits handle API integration for you. No need to enter keys for OpenAI, Anthropic, or other providers.
  • Your own API keys let you manually add keys from supported providers like Claude, GPT, Gemini, or XAI.

With Nexos AI credits, you will see:

  • OPENCLAW_GATEWAY_TOKEN: auto-generated; copy and save it securely
  • WHATSAPP_NUMBER: optional, for WhatsApp linking

Without Nexos AI credits, additional fields appear:

  • ANTHROPIC_API_KEY: for Claude integration
  • OPENAI_API_KEY: for OpenAI models
  • GEMINI_API_KEY: for Google Gemini
  • XAI_API_KEY: for XAI integration

Important: Save your OPENCLAW_GATEWAY_TOKEN somewhere safe. You need it to log in to your OpenClaw web interface later.

Once you click Deploy, a Docker container is created automatically. It typically takes a few minutes. After that, you will see exposed ports ready for access.

Path 2: Install OpenClaw on an Existing Hostinger VPS

Already have a Hostinger VPS? No problem. You can install OpenClaw through Docker Manager in four quick steps.

Step 1: Install Docker Manager on Your VPS

  • Log in to hPanel and open your VPS dashboard.
  • Click Docker Manager in the left sidebar.
  • If it is not installed yet, click the installation button.
  • Wait roughly 2 to 3 minutes for setup to finish.

Step 2: Find OpenClaw in the Docker Catalogue

  • Inside Docker Manager, go to the Catalogue section.
  • Search for “OpenClaw” using the search bar.
  • Click on it and then hit Deploy.

Step 3: Configure Your Environment Variables

Fill in your keys during deployment:

  • OPENCLAW_GATEWAY_TOKEN — auto-generated; copy it now
  • ANTHROPIC_API_KEY, OPENAI_API_KEY, GEMINI_API_KEY, XAI_API_KEY — enter one or more based on your preferred LLM
  • WHATSAPP_NUMBER — optional

You can leave optional fields empty and add them later from settings.

Step 4: Deploy and Wait ⏳

  • Review your configuration in the right panel preview.
  • Click Deploy. Docker will pull images, create containers and set up networking.
  • Deployment usually takes 1 to 2 minutes. Wait until status shows Running.
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That is it. Your OpenClaw AI agent is now live on your VPS. 🎉

How to Access Your OpenClaw Dashboard ?🖥️

Once deployment is complete:

  • Open Docker Manager and go to your OpenClaw project.
  • Note the assigned port number.
  • Visit http://your-vps-ip:port in your browser or simply click on the port link in hPanel.
  • Enter your OPENCLAW_GATEWAY_TOKEN in the login field.
  • Click Login to authenticate.

You now have full access to your personal AI assistant web panel.

Connect WhatsApp and Other Messaging Channels 📱

One of OpenClaw's biggest strengths is multi-channel messaging integration. Here is how to connect WhatsApp:

  • Inside OpenClaw, go to Channels and click Show QR.
  • On your phone, open WhatsApp → Settings → Linked Devices.
  • Tap Link a Device and scan the QR code.
Tap Link a Device and scan the QR code

If you see a “WhatsApp login failed: status=515” error, go to Settings → Config, click Update in the upper right corner, then return to Channels. It should connect.

You can also link Telegram, Discord, Slack and other platforms from the same Channels page.

Manage, Update, and Secure Your Instance 🔒

Keeping your AI assistant updated is simple through Docker Manager:

  • View logs: Go to Docker Manager → Projects → select your OpenClaw container to monitor activity.
  • Update OpenClaw: Click update on your project. Docker pulls a fresh image and restarts your container automatically.
  • Security: Never share your gateway token or API keys publicly. Store credentials in a password manager like 1Password.

After everything is running, explore automated workflows using the built-in skills platform for AI agents. Set up proactive monitoring, persistent memory, and sandboxed execution to make your assistant truly autonomous.

Ready to Run Your Own AI Assistant?

OpenClaw is open-source, powerful and growing fast. Hosting it on a Hostinger VPS with Docker gives you a stable, always-on setup without any heavy server admin work. 

With one-click deployment, you can go from zero to a working self-hosted AI chatbot in under 10 minutes.

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