How to Set Up Your Own AI Assistant in 30 Minutes

You don't need to be a developer. You don't need expensive hardware. In 30 minutes, you can have your own AI assistant running — one that remembers your conversations, sends emails, and works right inside WhatsApp or Telegram. Here's exactly how.

What You'll Need

Before we start, gather these: Hardware (you probably have this already): ✓ A computer — Mac, Windows, or Linux (even an old laptop works) ✓ Internet connection Software (free): ✓ A terminal app (built into your computer) ✓ Node.js (we'll install it) Accounts (quick to set up): ✓ An Anthropic API key (for Claude) — about $5-20/month usage ✓ A Telegram or WhatsApp account Time: ✓ 30 minutes (really)

Step 1: Install Node.js (5 minutes)

Node.js is what runs your AI assistant. Installing it is easy. On Mac: 1. Open Terminal (press Cmd+Space, type "Terminal") 2. Install Homebrew if you don't have it: `/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"` 3. Install Node.js: `brew install node` On Windows: 1. Go to nodejs.org 2. Download the Windows installer 3. Run it and click Next through the wizard On Linux: `curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash -` `sudo apt-get install -y nodejs` Verify it worked: `node --version` You should see something like `v22.x.x`. If you do, you're ready.

Step 2: Get Your API Key (5 minutes)

Your AI assistant needs a brain. That's what the API key provides. Get an Anthropic API key (recommended): 1. Go to console.anthropic.com 2. Sign up (or log in) 3. Navigate to API Keys 4. Create a new key 5. Copy it somewhere safe Cost: Pay-as-you-go. For personal use, expect $5-20/month. Alternative: You can also use OpenAI (ChatGPT) by getting a key at platform.openai.com Pro tip: Start with Anthropic's Claude. It's better at following instructions and maintaining personality.

Step 3: Install OpenClaw (5 minutes)

Now the fun part. Open your terminal and run: `npm install -g openclaw` This downloads and installs the AI assistant software globally on your computer. Once it's done, run the setup wizard: `openclaw setup` The wizard will ask you: 1. Where to store your data (just press Enter for default) 2. Your Anthropic API key (paste it in) 3. Which messaging app to connect (Telegram is easiest to start)

Step 4: Connect Telegram (10 minutes)

Telegram is the easiest messaging app to connect. Here's how: Create a Telegram Bot: 1. Open Telegram 2. Search for @BotFather 3. Send: `/newbot` 4. Choose a name (e.g., "My AI Assistant") 5. Choose a username ending in "bot" (e.g., "myai_assistant_bot") 6. Copy the token BotFather gives you Add to OpenClaw: Run: `openclaw setup telegram` Paste your bot token when asked. Test it: 1. Find your bot in Telegram (search for the username you chose) 2. Send it a message: "Hello!" 3. Wait a few seconds... 4. 🎉 Your AI assistant responds! For other platforms, see: - WhatsApp setup - Discord setup

Step 5: Start Your Assistant (2 minutes)

Make sure your assistant is running: `openclaw start` You should see: `✓ Gateway started` `✓ Telegram connected` `✓ Ready!` Keep it running: Your assistant only works while this command is running. To keep it running in the background: `openclaw start --daemon` Or set it up to start automatically when your computer boots (the setup wizard can help with this).

Step 6: Test Basic Features

Now let's make sure everything works. Send these messages to your bot: Test conversation: "Hi, I'm [Your Name]. Remember that." Then: "What's my name?" → Should remember! Test reminders: "Remind me to drink water in 5 minutes" → You'll get a reminder Test knowledge: "What's the capital of Thailand?" → Should answer correctly Test personality: "Tell me a joke" → Should have personality If all of these work, congratulations! 🎉 You have a working AI assistant.

Optional: Give Your Assistant a Personality

The default assistant is helpful but generic. Want something more personal? Edit your assistant's personality: `openclaw config edit` Add a personality section: ``` persona: name: "Alex" style: "Friendly, concise, occasionally witty" rules: - "Be direct, not corporate" - "Use casual language" - "Remember important details" ``` Save and restart (`openclaw restart`). Now your assistant has character.

What's Next?

You now have a working AI assistant. Here are ways to make it even more useful: Add more capabilities: - Set up email assistance - Connect your calendar - Control smart home devices Explore integrations: - WhatsApp — if you prefer it over Telegram - Discord — great for teams - Todoist — task management Learn advanced features: - Memory and context management - Custom skills and automations - Multi-device sync See 10 Ways I Use My AI Assistant Daily for inspiration.

Troubleshooting

"Command not found: openclaw" Node.js might not be in your PATH. Try restarting your terminal, or run: `export PATH="$PATH:$(npm bin -g)"` "API key invalid" Make sure you copied the entire key. Run `openclaw config edit` to check it. "Telegram bot not responding" 1. Make sure OpenClaw is running (`openclaw status`) 2. Check the token is correct 3. Try restarting: `openclaw restart` "Works but forgets everything" Memory might be disabled. Run `openclaw config edit` and ensure: `memory: enabled: true` Need more help? - Check the documentation - Join the community Discord - See Troubleshooting guide

Real People Using AI Assistants

“I was skeptical about 'no coding required' but it actually worked. Setup took me about 25 minutes and now I have an AI assistant in Telegram that remembers our conversations.”
— Mike R., Small Business Owner

“The hardest part was getting the Telegram bot token. Everything else was copy-paste. Now I can't imagine not having it.”
— Sarah L., Freelancer