🦞OpenClaw Guide
Android

OpenClaw on Android

No Play Store app — but Android users actually have more options than iPhone users. Telegram, WhatsApp, Termux, or cloud browser. Pick your setup.

Quick Answer

OpenClaw has no Android app on Google Play. It's self-hosted software — you run it on a Mac or server and control it from Android via Telegram (recommended), WhatsApp, or a browser. Android power users can also run OpenClaw directly on their phone using Termux.

4 ways to use OpenClaw on Android

Android gives you more flexibility than any other platform.

💬
Telegram (Recommended)
Best for most users

Install Telegram, connect OpenClaw to your bot, message from Android. Full feature parity with desktop. Works on any Android device.

📱
WhatsApp
Popular choice

OpenClaw supports WhatsApp as a channel. Works on Android with your existing WhatsApp number. Some limitations vs. Telegram.

🖥️
Termux (Advanced)
Android power users

Run OpenClaw directly on your Android device using Termux (a Linux terminal emulator). No separate server needed. Requires a capable Android device (8GB RAM recommended).

🌐
Cloud (No Setup)
Zero install

cloud.getopenclaw.ai works in Chrome on Android. No installation, no server, just open and start. Best if you want zero setup.

Run OpenClaw on Android with Termux

This is the Android superpower iPhone users don't have. Termux lets you run a full Linux environment on Android — including Node.js and OpenClaw itself.

Recommended device: Android 10+, 8GB RAM, 64GB storage. Works on flagship phones (Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S series).

1
pkg install nodejs

Install Node.js in Termux

2
npm install -g openclaw

Install OpenClaw globally

3
openclaw init

Set up your config (API key, Telegram bot token)

4
openclaw gateway start

Start the OpenClaw gateway

5
pm2 start openclaw -- gateway start

(Optional) Keep it running in background with PM2

Note: Install Termux from F-Droid, not Google Play. The Play Store version is outdated. F-Droid has the current build.

Android vs iPhone for OpenClaw

FeatureAndroidiPhone
Telegram interface
WhatsApp interface
Voice message support
iMessage support
Run on device (Termux)
Cloud browser (cloud.getopenclaw.ai)

OpenClaw Android FAQ

Is there an OpenClaw app on Google Play Store?

No. OpenClaw is open-source, self-hosted software — it doesn't have a Play Store app. You interact with it via messaging apps (Telegram, WhatsApp) that are already on your Android. For a zero-install option, the web version at cloud.getopenclaw.ai works in Chrome on Android.

Can I run OpenClaw directly on my Android phone?

Yes, using Termux — a Linux terminal emulator for Android. You'd need a reasonably powerful Android device (8GB+ RAM recommended). Install Termux from F-Droid, then install Node.js and OpenClaw. It's not for everyone, but it works.

Telegram vs WhatsApp for OpenClaw on Android — which is better?

Telegram. It has better bot support, faster message delivery, supports longer messages, and OpenClaw's Telegram integration is more mature. WhatsApp works but has more friction (requires wacli setup). If you're already a heavy WhatsApp user, it's possible — but Telegram is the recommended path.

Does OpenClaw work with Android voice commands?

Yes. Send a voice message in Telegram on Android — OpenClaw transcribes it with Whisper and processes it as a text command. You can also set up Google Assistant shortcuts that trigger your Telegram bot, though that requires extra setup.

Does OpenClaw drain my Android battery?

If you're using Telegram as your interface (the recommended setup), OpenClaw runs on your server — not your phone. Battery impact is the same as any Telegram message. If you're running OpenClaw on Android itself via Termux, that's different — it will use CPU/RAM while active.

Can I use OpenClaw on a budget Android phone?

Yes, via Telegram interface — your phone just runs Telegram, the AI work happens on your server. Even a basic Android device handles this fine. Running OpenClaw locally on the device via Termux requires more horsepower.