This guide shows how to deploy OpenClaw on Hostinger using the ready-to-use template, then complete the onboarding via the VPS terminal and access your dashboard.
Before you start: You’ll need an active Hostinger account and an AI provider API key (for the model you plan to use during onboarding).
Prerequisites
- A Hostinger account
- A selected VPS plan
- An AI model provider API key (you’ll paste it during onboarding)
- Your phone available (for QR-code pairing if you choose a WhatsApp channel)
Step 1 — Deploy OpenClaw from the template
1) Open the template page:
https://www.hostinger.com/vps/clawdbot-hosting
2) Select a VPS plan and complete the checkout.
3) Wait for the VPS to finish setting up. This can take a few minutes.
Step 2 — Open the VPS Terminal
1) Go to your VPS Overview page in hPanel.
2) Click Terminal (top-right).
3) The terminal will connect to your VPS and start the OpenClaw onboarding automatically (or it will prompt you to continue).
Step 3 — Complete OpenClaw onboarding (Quickstart)
During onboarding, follow the prompts in the terminal. The typical flow looks like this:
1) Confirm the security prompt
Read the warning and select Yes to proceed if you understand the risks of running an automation agent with tools.
2) Choose onboarding mode
Select Quickstart when prompted.
3) Select a model
Pick the AI model you want OpenClaw to use.
4) Enter your API key
Paste your AI provider API key when asked (it won’t be shown in plain text in most terminal prompts).
5) Select a channel
Choose the channel you want to use (for example, WhatsApp). OpenClaw will guide you through any channel-specific setup.
6) Scan the QR code and link your device
If you selected WhatsApp, you’ll see a QR code in the terminal. Scan it from your phone to link the session.
7) Whitelist your phone number
Add your number to the allowlist/whitelist so only approved senders can interact with your OpenClaw instance.
8) Install skills and hooks
Select the skills and hooks you want based on your use case. You can usually add/remove these later as well.
That’s it! Once onboarding completes, you can go to your messaging channel and start chatting with your OpenClaw.
Troubleshooting
“WhatsApp pairing fails / keeps restarting”
Common fixes include:
- Re-scan the QR code when prompted and confirm the session on your phone.
- Confirm you selected the correct DM policy (pairing/allowlist/open) and that your number is whitelisted.
- Restart the onboarding step in the terminal if OpenClaw asks to reconnect.
Best practices (recommended)
- Use allowlists: Keep access restricted to approved numbers/users.
- Protect your API keys: Store it securely and rotate it if exposed.