How to Install Clawdbot (OpenClaw) on a VPS — Step-by-Step Guide

// 1. What Is Clawdbot (and Why Self-Host It)

Clawdbot — recently renamed to Moltbot OpenClaw — is an open-source, self-hosted AI assistant that runs inside your messaging applications rather than requiring a separate tool or browser tab.

Two main reasons people self-host it:

• Continuity — Persistent memory and long-lived context across conversations. Your assistant remembers past interactions and preferences.
• Leverage — Proactive task handling and optional automation, including browser-based form filling and scheduled operations.

Best-fit use cases:

• Personal operations assistant with preference memory
• Private notes, reminders, and coordination tool
• Chat-native automation interface (forms, data entry, monitoring)

Self-hosting gives you complete control over your data — where it's stored, who accesses it, and how logs are handled.

// 2. Why Use a VPS Instead of Running It Locally

Running Clawdbot on your home machine or laptop seems easy at first, but you'll quickly run into problems:

• Router resets and dynamic IPs break connections
• System updates and reboots interrupt the bot
• Your laptop going to sleep = bot goes offline
• Inconsistent performance when you're also using the machine

A VPS solves all of this:

• Always on — 99.9% uptime, no disruptions from local network issues
• Root access — Full control to configure, debug, and optimize
• Pick your location — Choose from 12 global locations for lowest latency to your users
• Cost-effective — Starting from $39.99/mo vs hundreds for dedicated hardware sitting at home

// 3. Recommended VPS Specs

Memory is the first bottleneck — background tasks, logging, and headless browser automation (Puppeteer/Playwright) all consume RAM quickly.

We recommend VPS Medium ($39.99/mo) as the sweet spot: 3 vCPU Xeon cores, 4 GB RAM, 40 GB SSD, unmetered bandwidth, and 1 Gbps port. If you plan to run browser automation heavily, go with VPS Premium for 8 GB RAM.

// 4. Step-by-Step: Deploy Clawdbot on DejavuHost

Prefer to install it yourself? No problem — here's how:

• Head to our VPS Hosting page and select VPS Medium or VPS Premium
• Choose Ubuntu 22.04 LTS as your OS (recommended for Clawdbot)
• Pick a location closest to where you or your users are
• Complete checkout (we accept Bitcoin via BTCPay!)

Once your VPS is provisioned (typically within a few hours), you'll receive your server credentials via email.

Run the official installer:

The wizard will walk you through connecting your first messenger.

This starts the interactive onboarding:

1. Connect your first messenger (Telegram, Discord, Slack, etc.)
2. Configure memory and context settings
3. Set automation permissions
4. Send a test message to verify everything works

Send a test message from your connected messenger app. You should get a response within seconds. If Clawdbot is running correctly, you're done!

// 5. Custom OS & Pre-Installation Service

Unlike other providers that hand you a blank server, DejavuHost offers application pre-installation at no extra cost. Whether it's Clawdbot, a game server, a VPN, or any other application — tell us what you need and we'll set it up.

Our VPS order form includes 10 popular OS options (Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, AlmaLinux, Rocky, Fedora, and more). For anything beyond that:

1. Select "Other (Raise a Ticket)" from the OS dropdown during checkout
2. In your ticket, mention the application you want pre-installed (e.g., "Clawdbot / OpenClaw on Ubuntu 22.04")
3. Complete your order as normal
4. Our team provisions your VPS with everything installed and configured
5. You receive SSH credentials and get started immediately

This applies to Clawdbot and any other application you need. No extra cost, no hassle — your server arrives ready to use.

// 6. Security Best Practices

// 7. Wrap-Up

Clawdbot (OpenClaw) gives you an always-on AI assistant with persistent memory, right inside your favorite messaging apps. A VPS keeps it reliable and accessible 24/7.

Our VPS Medium plan ($39.99/mo) is the perfect starting point — 3 vCPU, 4 GB RAM, and unmetered bandwidth give you plenty of room for both chat and automation.