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This guide will walk you through installing and running OpenClaw on your Android device using the automated one-liner installation.
Make sure you’ve completed all prerequisites before starting, especially installing Termux and Termux:API from F-Droid.

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One-Liner Installation

1

Open Termux

Launch the Termux app on your Android device. You should see a terminal prompt.
2

Run the Installation Command

Copy and paste the following command into Termux and press Enter:
pkg install -y git && git clone https://github.com/irtiq7/OpenClaw-Android.git ~/openclaw-android-setup && cd ~/openclaw-android-setup && chmod +x *.sh && ./setup_claw.sh
What this does:
  • Installs Git
  • Clones the OpenClaw-Android repository
  • Makes scripts executable
  • Runs the automated setup script
The installation process will take 15-30 minutes depending on your device and internet speed. Keep your device plugged in and the screen on.
3

Wait for Installation to Complete

The setup_claw.sh script will automatically:
  • Install Node.js, Python, Git, CMake, Ninja, and build tools
  • Configure environment variables (TMPDIR, TEMP)
  • Apply NDK workarounds for Android
  • Patch hardcoded paths in OpenClaw
  • Set up the background service using termux-services
You’ll see progress messages as each component is installed. Do not close Termux during this process.
4

Run OpenClaw Onboarding

After the setup script completes, run the onboarding process:
openclaw onboard
Follow the interactive prompts to configure your OpenClaw instance.
CRITICAL: When asked if you want to install a “Daemon” or “System Service”, SAY NO. The setup script has already configured service management using a method compatible with Android.
5

Finalize the Installation

After onboarding completes, run these commands to start OpenClaw:
source ~/.bashrc
sv up openclaw
termux-wake-lock
What each command does:
  • source ~/.bashrc: Reloads your shell configuration
  • sv up openclaw: Starts the OpenClaw background service
  • termux-wake-lock: Keeps the CPU awake so OpenClaw doesn’t get killed when you minimize Termux
The termux-wake-lock command is required to keep OpenClaw running in the background. Without it, Android may kill the process when you minimize the app.

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Accessing the Web UI

Once OpenClaw is running, you can access the web interface:
  1. Open any browser on your Android device
  2. Navigate to: http://localhost:18789
  3. You should see the OpenClaw web interface
The web UI is only accessible from the same device. To access it from other devices on your network, you’ll need to configure network settings.

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Verification Steps

Verify that OpenClaw is running correctly:
1

Check Service Status

sv status openclaw
You should see output indicating the service is running (e.g., run: openclaw: ...).
2

View Logs

tail -f $PREFIX/var/log/openclaw/current
Check for any errors in the logs. Press Ctrl+C to exit the log viewer.
3

Test the Web UI

Open http://localhost:18789 in your browser and verify you can access the interface.

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Managing OpenClaw

Here are the essential commands for managing your OpenClaw service: 
sv up openclaw

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Troubleshooting

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Service Won’t Start

If the service fails to start:
  1. Check the logs: tail -f $PREFIX/var/log/openclaw/current
  2. Verify the service is configured: ls -la $PREFIX/var/service/openclaw
  3. Try restarting: sv down openclaw && sv up openclaw

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OpenClaw Stops When Minimizing Termux

Make sure you’ve run termux-wake-lock: 
termux-wake-lock
You can verify the wake lock is active by checking your device’s notification tray for a Termux notification.

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Cannot Access Web UI

  1. Verify the service is running: sv status openclaw
  2. Check if the port is listening: netstat -an | grep 18789
  3. Make sure you’re using http://localhost:18789 (not HTTPS)

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Next Steps

Now that OpenClaw is running on your Android device:
  • Explore the web UI to configure automations
  • Learn about updating OpenClaw when new versions are released
  • Configure OpenClaw to access device sensors through Termux:API
  • Set up your device as a permanent IoT hub or automation server
Keep your device plugged in and ensure termux-wake-lock is active if you want OpenClaw to run continuously in the background.

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