---
title: "How to install an OpenClaw agent on a VPS"
description: "Find out how to deploy a 24/7 OpenClaw (ex Clawdbot / Moltbot) agent on a VPS, using Docker Compose for maximum isolation and stability"
url: https://docs.ovhcloud.com/es/guides/bare-metal-cloud/virtual-private-servers/install-openclaw
lang: es
lastUpdated: 2026-02-09
---
# How to install an OpenClaw agent on a VPS

**OpenClaw** (successor to Moltbot and Clawdbot) is the new evolved version of the autonomous AI assistant. This guide uses **Docker** to protect your host system while ensuring your assistant remains online 24/7.

## Objective

The objective is to deploy OpenClaw in a container. This allows the agent to be isolated from the rest of the VPS (which is a good security practice) and simplifies updates (only one command is needed to change versions).

## Requirements

- An active [OVHcloud VPS](https://www.ovhcloud.com/en-gb/vps/).
- Access via SSH to your server using the default user (`ubuntu`, `debian`, etc.).
- An API key (Anthropic or OpenAI).

## Instructions

**Table of contents:**

- [Step 1 - Install Docker](#docker-install)
- [Step 2 - Prepare directories](#prepare)
- [Step 3 - Deployment configuration (Docker Compose)](#config)
- [Step 4 - Launch the agent](#launch)
- [Step 5 - Secure access via an SSH tunnel](#access)

### Step 1 - Install Docker [](#)
On your VPS, install Docker and its Compose plugin:

```bash
curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sudo sh
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER
```

_Note: Log out and log back in via SSH for the Docker group addition to take effect._

### Step 2 - Prepare directories [](#)
Docker needs folders on your VPS to store data permanently (WhatsApp sessions, memory).

```bash
mkdir -p ~/openclaw/data
cd ~/openclaw
```

### Step 3 - Deployment configuration [](#)
Create a file named docker-compose.yml in this folder:

```bash
nano docker-compose.yml
```

Copy the following configuration into it:

```bash
services:
  openclaw:
    image: ghcr.io/openclaw/openclaw:latest
    container_name: openclaw-gateway
    restart: always
    ports:
      - "127.0.0.1:18789:18789"
    volumes:
      - ~/openclaw/data:/home/node/.openclaw
    environment:
      - NODE_ENV=production
```

:::warning

Security: By using 127.0.0.1:18789:18789, the port is exposed only within the VPS. No one can access it from the outside without the SSH tunnel.

:::

### Step 4 - Launch [](#)
Start your agent:

```bash
docker compose up -d
```

### Step 5 - Secure access via an SSH tunnel [](#)
1\. **On your personal computer**, create the tunnel.

The method remains the same. From your personal computer, open a terminal:

- Windows: PowerShell or Command Prompt (cmd).
- Linux / macOS: Terminal.

```bash
ssh -L 18789:127.0.0.1:18789 user@YOUR_VPS_IP
```

_Keep this terminal window open for the entire duration of your use._

2\. **On your VPS (another terminal window)**, retrieve your access token:

```bash
cat ~/openclaw/data/openclaw.json | grep '"token":'
```

Open your browser and go to: `http://127.0.0.1:18789`.

_Tip: If the interface remains disconnected, you can force the connection by using your token directly in the URL: `http://127.0.0.1:18789/?token=VOTRE_GATEWAY_TOKEN`_

The rest takes place in the **Overview** menu: enter your **Gateway Token** to log in.

## Go further

[Secure an OVHcloud VPS](/es/guides/bare-metal-cloud/virtual-private-servers/secure-your-vps.md)

[Official OpenClaw documentation](https://docs.openclaw.ai/)

Join our [community of users](https://community.ovhcloud.com/).