OpenClaw with Homebrew: The Mac User's One-Command Install
February 26, 2026 · AI Tools
Mac users who already use Homebrew have the simplest path to OpenClaw: a single command installs the CLI, and you are ready to onboard. The openclaw-cli formula is available in Homebrew and works on both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) and Intel Macs running macOS Sonoma or Sequoia. No curl scripts, no npm—just brew install. This guide walks you through the install and first-time setup in 2026.
1 Prerequisites: Homebrew
You need Homebrew installed. If you do not have it yet, run:
Follow the prompts; Homebrew may ask for your password. On Apple Silicon, add Homebrew to your PATH if the installer tells you to (e.g., echo 'eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"' >> ~/.zprofile). Verify with brew --version.
2 Install OpenClaw
One command:
Homebrew installs the OpenClaw CLI and its dependencies (including Node.js if needed). The formula is maintained upstream and tracks the latest releases. When the install finishes, run openclaw --version to confirm. You should see a version string like 2026.2.x.
3 Run the Onboarding Wizard
Configure your AI provider and messaging channel:
The wizard asks you to choose a model (Claude, OpenAI, Google Gemini, or local Ollama), enter your API key, and add a channel like Telegram, Discord, or WhatsApp. For Telegram: create a bot with @BotFather, copy the token, paste it when prompted, then open a chat with your bot and complete the pairing step. Use --install-daemon so OpenClaw installs a launchd service that starts automatically when you log in. Have your API key and bot token ready before you start—it speeds things up. If your network blocks AI APIs, connect to a fast VPN first so the agent can reach Claude or OpenAI reliably.
4 Optional: Pair with the Companion App
If you are on macOS 14+, you can install the OpenClaw Companion App for menubar access. Download it from the OpenClaw GitHub releases page, drag it to Applications, and launch it. The app connects to your existing gateway and gives you quick actions, gateway status, WebChat, and Canvas from the menu bar. It works alongside the Homebrew-installed CLI—no extra config needed.
Updating and Tips
To update OpenClaw: brew upgrade openclaw-cli. If you use the daemon, restart it after updating. Homebrew handles dependencies, so you do not need to manage Node.js versions manually. For 24/7 use, consider running OpenClaw on a Mac Mini and using the Companion App on your MacBook to monitor it. A VPN with gigabit bandwidth keeps your AI agent responsive when you are on the go or in regions where APIs are throttled.
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FAQ
Homebrew vs. one-line installer: which should I use?
If you already use Homebrew, brew install openclaw-cli is simpler—one command, no curl. The one-line installer is great if you prefer not to use Homebrew or want the script to install Node.js for you. Both produce the same OpenClaw binary.
Does the Homebrew formula work on Apple Silicon?
Yes. The openclaw-cli formula is a Universal Binary and runs natively on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. It requires macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later.