OpenClaw is an open source, local-first AI agent and automation platform. Use OpenClaw to deeply integrate multi-channel communication with large language models and create custom AI assistants that feature persistent memory and proactive execution capabilities.
OpenClaw is an open source AI assistant. Before you use it, fully assess its security and stability. Strictly follow the license agreement to protect your system environment and data security.
Billing overview
Deploying and using OpenClaw on a Simple Application Server incurs the following fees:
Simple Application Server fees: For more information, see Simple Application Server billing overview.
Model invocation fees: During execution, OpenClaw defaults to invoking models from Alibaba Cloud Model Studio. Model invocations are billed in two primary ways:
Coding Plan AI coding plan (recommended): Uses a fixed monthly fee model with a monthly request quota. Calls exceeding the quota return an error and incur no charge, helping avoid unexpected costs.
The Coding Plan currently supports models such as
qwen3.5-plus,kimi-k2.5,MiniMax-M2.5, andglm-5. For the full list of supported models, see Overview.Billed by token usage:
OpenClaw 2026.2.26version: By default, uses theqwen3.5-plusmodel for text and image editing. For billing details, see Qwen Plus.For more information about the default models and billing for other versions, see Default models for other versions.
ImportantConfigure automatic suspension upon free quota exhaustion (Singapore region only): When you first activate Alibaba Cloud Model Studio (Singapore region), you automatically receive a new user free quota for each model. After the free quota is exhausted, billing begins by default based on the prices and usage listed in the Model List. To avoid unexpected charges, you can enable the automatic suspension upon free quota exhaustion feature. For more information about billing, see OpenClaw (formerly MoltBot and Clawbot) Purchase and Billing Questions.
Step 1: Purchase an OpenClaw package
If you already have a Simple Application Server, you can skip this step and deploy OpenClaw by resetting the server (when resetting the server, select the OpenClaw image under application images), but resetting the server erases all data on the system disk. Back up your data as needed. For more information, see Reset a Simple Application Server.
Purchase a Simple Application Server pre-installed with the OpenClaw application.
This application image is based on the 64-bit Alibaba Cloud Linux 3.2104 LTS operating system and comes from Alibaba Cloud Compute Nest.
On the Simple Application Server page, the resource configurations are preset. To change the configuration items, see the following information.
Instance: The memory must be 2 GiB or larger. You can switch packages as needed.
Region: The default is or US (Virginia).
Purchase Configuration: The default duration is 12 months. You can change the duration as needed.
Step 2: Configure OpenClaw
On the Simple Application Server console, click the instance ID on the server card. On the Server Overview page, click the Application Details tab.
In the OpenClaw usage steps section, click Port Allow, then click Execute Command to open the firewall for the OpenClaw service port.
ImportantTo prevent malicious scanning and targeted attacks, OpenClaw no longer uses a fixed default port during initialization. Instead, it automatically generates a random port. You can view the OpenClaw port number in the console.
Opening the port exposes the service to the Internet. You can disable public access to the WebUI with one click. For details, see How do I enable or disable public access to the OpenClaw WebUI?
Click Configure OpenClaw, then click Execute Command to set the Alibaba Cloud Model Studio API key.
You can configure two types of Model Studio API keys:
Coding Plan exclusive API key (recommended): Uses a fixed monthly fee model with a monthly request quota. Calls exceeding the quota return an error and incur no charge, helping avoid unexpected costs.
The Coding Plan currently supports models such as
qwen3.5-plus,kimi-k2.5,MiniMax-M2.5, andglm-5. For the full list of supported models, see Overview.An API key billed by token usage.
You can configure the API key using either System Recommended or Manual Input. System Recommended lists your Coding Plan API key (cost-controlled) and the API key for the Alibaba Cloud Model Studio model service closest to your server (low latency). To use an API key from another region or account, choose Manual Input.
System Recommended (dropdown selection)
After selecting, click Next.
Region of the Simple Application Server
Region of the system-recommended Alibaba Cloud Model Studio API key
Region of the Coding Plan API key
Chinese mainland regions
China (Beijing)
Singapore
US and European regions
US (Virginia)
China (Hong Kong) and other Asian regions
Singapore
Manual Input
Click the button to switch to manual input. Enter your Model Studio API key and select its region, then click Next.
ImportantWhen manually configuring, ensure the selected API key region is correct. Otherwise, model calls will fail.
Click Access Web UI Panel, then click Get Address to retrieve the OpenClaw WebUI address. You can use this URL to interact with the OpenClaw agent in your browser.
You can disable public network access to the WebUI with one click. For more information, see Disable public network access to the OpenClaw WebUI.
(Optional) View the token.
In , click View to view and save the token.
WarningDo not expose the full URL that contains the token. This link includes your authentication credentials. Anyone with this link can bypass the logon process and gain administrative permissions to your OpenClaw console.
OpenClaw personalization
Generic agents behave identically, making them unsuitable for specific interaction scenarios. To help OpenClaw agents truly fit into business contexts—such as immersive role-playing or formal enterprise customer service—OpenClaw provides personalization capabilities.
The configuration files include the following:
Personality definition (SOUL.md): Defines the AI’s core values, conversation style (e.g., formal, humorous, concise), and code of conduct.
Identity definition (IDENTITY.md): Defines the AI’s name, self-awareness, background, and role.
Workflow definition (AGENTS.md): Defines how the AI handles tasks, uses tools, and executes workflows.
Configuration steps: In , click Edit to modify different configuration files. For scenario-specific examples, see OpenClaw personalization templates and scenario examples.
FAQ
How do I restart the OpenClaw gateway?
Restart the OpenClaw gateway in the console when you encounter connection interruptions or service unavailability. In , click Execute Command.
How do I view the OpenClaw port number?
To prevent malicious scanning and targeted attacks, OpenClaw no longer uses a fixed default port during initialization. Instead, it generates a random port. In , click Execute Command to view the OpenClaw port number.
How do I change the model that OpenClaw calls?
Switch in the console
OpenClaw integrates with Alibaba Cloud Model Studio. Switch between models directly in the UI. In , delete the default model and select a different Model Studio model from the dropdown.
You can manually enter a model name. You can find the model code on the Model Studio Model Square page.
Edit the configuration manually
Go to the Simple Application Server console - Servers page. On the card for the server where OpenClaw is deployed, click the instance ID to go to the Server Overview page.
Click the Application Details tab. On the Access Control page, click Quick View to go to the Clawdbot conversation page.
Click , search for Primary Model or Image Model, and change the value to a model supported by Model Studio. Enter the model in the format
alibaba-cloud/model_code, such asalibaba-cloud/qwen3-max-2026-01-23. You can find the model code on the Model Studio Marketplace page.
How do I enable or disable public access to the OpenClaw WebUI?
You can disable public network access to the OpenClaw WebUI with one click. In , click Enable/Disable to toggle public network access to the OpenClaw WebUI.
Why doesn't the system recognize my existing Alibaba Cloud Model Studio API key when I enter it?
The system automatically detects the Alibaba Cloud Model Studio endpoint closest to the region where your server is located and displays the corresponding API key. If you have subscribed to a Coding Plan, its API key is also displayed. If no API key exists for the nearest endpoint, create an API key or subscribe to a Coding Plan in the corresponding region as instructed in the interface.
Region of your Simple Application Server | Recommended Alibaba Cloud Model Studio API key region | Coding Plan API key region |
Regions in the Chinese mainland | China (Beijing) | Singapore |
Regions in the US and Europe | US (Virginia) | |
China (Hong Kong) and other regions in Asia | Singapore |
Why isn't qwen3.5-plus the default model for my OpenClaw instance?
Currently, only the latest image version, OpenClaw 2026.2.26, uses qwen3.5-plus as the default model. Default models for other versions are as follows:
Versions
OpenClaw 2026.2.3andOpenClaw 2026.2.9use theqwen3-max-2026-01-23model as the Primary Model and theqwen3-vl-plusmodel as the Image Model by default. For billing details, see Qwen Max and Qwen VL.OpenClaw(Moltbot) 2026.1.27-beta.1version: Servers purchased on or after January 31, 2026, useqwen3-max-2026-01-23by default. Servers purchased before January 31, 2026, useqwen-vl-plusby default.
To change the model, you can manually change the model invoked by OpenClaw.
References
You can use Tailscale to build a secure tunnel and connect to your Mac. This lets you manage iMessage on your Mac through OpenClaw. For more information, see Use OpenClaw (formerly Clawdbot) to call iMessage.