Can I run OpenClaw on a Mac?

Yes. OpenClaw runs on macOS via npm (recommended for developers) or Docker. It supports both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) and Intel Macs. Or use OpenClaw Launch for managed hosting with no local install.

Can I use a Mac Mini as an OpenClaw server?

Yes. A Mac Mini with Apple Silicon is an excellent dedicated OpenClaw server — it uses only ~6W idle and has plenty of RAM. Install via npm, set up to start on boot with launchd, and configure port forwarding.

Does OpenClaw work on Apple Silicon?

Yes. OpenClaw runs natively on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) via Node.js. Docker Desktop for Mac also supports Apple Silicon with ARM64 images.

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Guide

How to Install OpenClaw on Mac

Run OpenClaw on your MacBook, iMac, or Mac Mini using Homebrew, npm, or Docker. Works on both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) and Intel Macs.

Choose Your Method

Method	Best For	Difficulty
npm (global)	Developers with Node.js	Easy
Docker	Isolated container setup	Easy
OpenClaw Launch	Skip all setup, deploy in 30s	None

Method 1: npm Install (Recommended for Developers)

The fastest way to run OpenClaw locally on a Mac is via npm.

Install Node.js (18 or later). If you have Homebrew:
```
brew install node
```
Or download from nodejs.org.
Install OpenClaw globally:
```
npm install -g openclaw
```
Start the gateway:
```
openclaw gateway --allow-unconfigured
```
Open http://localhost:18789 in Safari or Chrome to access the web gateway.

Method 2: Docker

If you prefer containers, use Docker Desktop for Mac.

Install Docker Desktop from docker.com. It supports both Apple Silicon and Intel.

Pull the image and run:

mkdir -p ~/openclaw/credentials
chmod 777 ~/openclaw ~/openclaw/credentials
docker run -d --name openclaw \
  --memory=2g --memory-swap=3g \
  -v ~/openclaw:/home/node/.openclaw \
  -p 18789:18789 \
  ghcr.io/openclaw/openclaw:latest \
  node openclaw.mjs gateway --allow-unconfigured

Open http://localhost:18789 to verify it's running.

See the full Docker deployment guide for detailed configuration, docker-compose, and health checks.

Running on a Mac Mini (Dedicated Server)

A Mac Mini makes an excellent dedicated OpenClaw server. With Apple Silicon's efficiency, it runs 24/7 on minimal power consumption.

Setup: Install OpenClaw via npm, configure it to start on boot with launchd or PM2.
Memory: Even the base 8 GB Mac Mini has plenty for OpenClaw (needs ~300 MB).
Networking: Set up port forwarding on your router to expose port 18789, or use a reverse proxy like Caddy.
Power: Apple Silicon Mac Mini uses only ~6W idle — perfect for always-on use.

Keep in mind: Self-hosting on a Mac Mini means you're responsible for uptime, updates, and network configuration. If your internet goes down, so does your bot.

Common Mac Issues

Permission Denied on npm Install

If you get EACCES errors, don't use sudo. Instead, fix npm's directory permissions:

mkdir ~/.npm-global
npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'
echo 'export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc

Docker Desktop Performance

Docker Desktop on Mac runs a Linux VM under the hood. Allocate at least 4 GB RAM to Docker in Settings → Resources for smooth operation with OpenClaw.

Port Already in Use

Check what's using port 18789: lsof -i :18789. Kill the process or use a different port.

Skip the Setup

Don't want to manage a local installation? OpenClaw Launch handles everything — configure your AI bot visually and deploy in 30 seconds from any browser. No Mac setup required.