ZeroClaw Setup Guide (Cloud API)

Repo: https://github.com/zeroclaw-labs/zeroclaw

Before You Start

If you're thinking of running ZeroClaw on your main PC, I'd strongly suggest using a VPS instead. Anything you can do on your PC, ZeroClaw will be able to do on your PC, which is extremely risky if you have personal info on it.

A VPS is essentially just a fresh virtual PC. That way you're not risking any of your personal data and the VPS runs 24/7 so you'll have access to the bot whenever you want. It's also much cheaper than spending hundreds of dollars on a dedicated device like a Mac Mini.

The VPS provider that I use is Hostinger because it's the simplest one to set up and also one of the cheapest. If you use the link below you will get an extra 20% off.

👉 https://www.hostinger.com/self-hosted-n8n?REFERRALCODE=HOWTO20

Coupon code: HOWTO20

Step 1: Update Your System

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Dependencies

sudo apt install -y build-essential curl git

Step 3: Install Rust

curl --proto '=https' --tlsv1.2 -sSf https://sh.rustup.rs | sh

Choose option 1 (standard installation) when prompted.

Step 4: Load Rust Into Your Shell

source "$HOME/.cargo/env"

Step 5: Clone the ZeroClaw Repo

git clone https://github.com/zeroclaw-labs/zeroclaw.git
cd zeroclaw

Step 6: Build ZeroClaw

cargo build --release

Step 7: Install ZeroClaw Globally

cargo install --path .

Step 8: Run the Onboarding

Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your OpenRouter API key. Get one at https://openrouter.ai

cd ~
zeroclaw onboard --quick --api-key YOUR_API_KEY --provider openrouter

This generates the config at ~/.zeroclaw/config.toml with your API key and provider already set.

Step 9: Test It

zeroclaw agent -m "Hello, introduce yourself"

Step 10: Connect Telegram

zeroclaw onboard --channels-only

Follow the prompts:

Select Telegram → Enter
Go to Telegram, find @BotFather, send /newbot, create your bot, and copy the bot token
Paste your bot token → Enter
For allowed identities, enter * (allows all users) or your Telegram username without @ → Enter
Select Done to finish
When it asks Launch channels now? → press Y

This starts everything: gateway, Telegram, memory, and scheduler. Your bot should now respond to messages on Telegram.

Need a VPS?

If you don't have one yet, I use Hostinger for all my setups. Takes under a minute to get a clean Ubuntu server running. Use the link below for an extra 20% off.