How to add custom provider models in OpenClaw on Hostinger VPS

Updated 2 weeks ago

OpenClaw supports custom AI providers beyond the default options. This article explains how to add OpenRouter and Kimi (Moonshot) models to your OpenClaw installation on Hostinger VPS.

NOTE

  • You need an API key from your chosen provider before starting.
  • OpenClaw must already be installed on your VPS.

Adding OpenRouter models

OpenRouter gives you access to multiple AI models through a single API.

Step 1 – Connect to your VPS

Access your VPS via SSH or use Browser terminal in hPanel.

Hostinger VPS overview page with the Terminal button highlighted on the top right

Step 2 – Enter the OpenClaw container

Run the following command, replacing openclaw-XXXX-openclaw-1 with your actual container name:

docker exec -it openclaw-XXXX-openclaw-1 bash

Step 3 – Run the onboard command

Inside the container, run:

openclaw onboard --auth-choice apiKey --token-provider openrouter --token "$OPENROUTER_API_KEY"

Replace $OPENROUTER_API_KEY with your actual OpenRouter API key.

OpenClaw onboarding security warning screen in a terminal interface

Terminal setup prompt to enter OpenRouter API key, with local gateway config shown

Step 4 – Exit and restart the container

Exit the container:

exit

Restart the container to apply changes:

docker restart openclaw-XXXX-openclaw-1

Step 5 – Select the model in OpenClaw

  1. Open the OpenClaw dashboard.
  2. Go to Agents in the left sidebar.
  3. Select your agent (for example, main).
    Nexus agent settings showing the current model set to Nexus GPT 5 2
  4. In the Overview tab, find Model Selection.
  5. Click the Primary model (default) dropdown and select your OpenRouter model.

Adding Kimi (Moonshot) models

Kimi is an AI model from Moonshot AI.

Step 1 – Connect to your VPS

Access your VPS via SSH or use Browser terminal in hPanel.

Hostinger VPS overview with the Terminal button highlighted in the top right

Step 2 – Enter the OpenClaw container

Run the following command, replacing openclaw-XXXX-openclaw-1 with your actual container name:

docker exec -it openclaw-XXXX-openclaw-1 bash

Step 3 – Run the onboard command

Inside the container, run:

openclaw onboard --auth-choice moonshot-api-key

Follow the prompts to enter your Moonshot API key.

OpenClaw onboarding security warning screen with text about tool-enabled agent risks

OpenAI onboarding terminal setup with Moonshot API key prompt and existing config detected

Step 4 – Exit and restart the container

Exit the container:

exit

Restart the container to apply changes:

docker restart openclaw-XXXX-openclaw-1

Step 5 – Select the model in OpenClaw

  1. Open the OpenClaw dashboard.
  2. Go to Agents in the left sidebar.
    OpenClaw Agents page with the Agents menu item highlighted in the left sidebar
  3. Select your agent (for example, main).
    Agent dropdown showing main (default) selected and open in a dark dashboard
  4. In the Overview tab, find Model Selection.
  5. Click the Primary model (default) dropdown and select your Kimi model.

You have successfully added a custom provider to OpenClaw. Your new models are now available for use with your agents.

Adding other providers

OpenClaw supports additional providers such as Ollama, OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, and more. Each provider has its own onboard command and configuration options. For the full list of supported providers and their setup instructions, refer to the OpenClaw providers documentation.

Additional Resources