Getting started with OpenClaw (VPS Set-Up simply + secure) Tutorial

In this video I test OpenClaw — the open-source, self-hosted AI assistant that runs on your own hardware and connects to Telegram, WhatsApp, Discord, and more. I show you how to deploy it on a Hostinger VPS using their one-click Docker template, run the onboarding, and extend it with skills from ClawHub. I also cover the security boundaries and token cost traps you need to understand before giving it real access to your systems.

Self-host OpenClaw on a Hostinger VPS, connect a messaging channel, add skills, and avoid the security and cost traps most people hit.

Prerequisites

• A VPS with Docker (Hostinger one-click template recommended)
• A domain name with DNS access
• A messaging account (Telegram, WhatsApp, or Discord)

Deploy OpenClaw on Hostinger VPS

Important: Do NOT open port forwarding — the template configures HTTPS via Traefik automatically. Access OpenClaw through the Access button in the Hostinger panel.

Once deployed, retrieve your Gateway Token from the OpenClaw dashboard.

SSH into the VPS and run onboarding

ssh root@YOUR_HOSTINGER_VPS_IP

docker ps

docker exec -it <container-name> sh

openclaw onboard

Security warning: OpenClaw is a beta project with real tool access (files, commands, tools). A bad prompt can do real damage — never give it more access than necessary.

Configure OpenClaw (LLM, channels, skills)

openclaw configure

This interactive wizard covers everything: LLM provider, messaging channels, skills, and more.

LLM options:

• Hostinger Nexos AI — pre-integrated, no separate API key. New users get 2x AI credits on first VPS purchase (use promo LEMPA).
• OpenAI / Anthropic — bring your own API key
• Ollama / LM Studio — local models, full privacy

Warning: OpenClaw is token-hungry on agentic tasks. Monitor usage if you're on a pay-per-token plan.

Messaging channels — follow the in-wizard instructions for your channel:

• Telegram / Discord: Create a bot → get the bot token → paste it in
• WhatsApp: Scan the QR code (same as WhatsApp Web)

Add Skills

Once a skill file is in the skills directory, the agent picks it up automatically — no restart needed.

Example: GitHub PR review automation

I'm working on a GitHub Project: https://github.com/christianlempa/boilerplates

Learn the project structure and AGENTS.md.

Every day at 8:00, check newly opened PRs from Renovate. Tell me which ones are safe to merge (minor updates, no breaking changes) and which need manual review.