About This Guide: This tutorial focuses on installing OpenClaw on macOS Sequoia (15.x) — the latest Apple operating system — including the exclusive macOS Companion App, iMessage integration (macOS only), and Launch Agent for 24/7 background operation. Works on all Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) and Intel Macs. Estimated time: 10–15 minutes.
macOS is arguably the best platform for running OpenClaw — and it's not just about hardware. macOS Sequoia introduced powerful new background app management features that make running persistent AI agents more reliable than ever. Combine that with Apple Silicon's exceptional performance-per-watt ratio, and you have a near-perfect personal AI server that can run 24/7 without making a sound or noticeably impacting battery life.
This guide goes beyond basic installation. You'll get OpenClaw fully operational in 10 minutes, then configure it with macOS-exclusive features: the Companion App (menubar access), iMessage as a chat interface, and a proper Launch Agent plist for auto-start. Whether you're on a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, or Mac Studio — this guide has you covered.
Why macOS Is Perfect for OpenClaw
iMessage Integration
Only on macOS — talk to your OpenClaw agent via iMessage like any other contact
Companion App
Native menubar app for quick access to your OpenClaw agent — macOS exclusive
Apple Silicon Speed
M-series chips handle OpenClaw's tool execution at blazing speed with minimal power
macOS Compatibility
Step 1: Install Homebrew & Node.js (3 minutes)
Open Terminal (Spotlight → Terminal or Applications → Utilities → Terminal) and run the one-liner to install Homebrew:
# Install Homebrew (if not already installed)
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
# Install nvm for Node.js management
brew install nvm
# Add nvm to shell profile
echo 'export NVM_DIR="$HOME/.nvm"' >> ~/.zshrc
echo '[ -s "/opt/homebrew/opt/nvm/nvm.sh" ] && \. "/opt/homebrew/opt/nvm/nvm.sh"' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc
# Install Node.js 22
nvm install 22 && nvm use 22 && nvm alias default 22
node --version # Confirm: v22.x.x
Apple Silicon note: On M1–M4 Macs, Homebrew installs to /opt/homebrew. On Intel Macs it's /usr/local. The nvm path in the profile command above is for Apple Silicon — adjust if you're on Intel.
Step 2: Install OpenClaw (2 minutes)
With Node.js ready, install OpenClaw using the official one-line installer:
# Official OpenClaw installer for macOS
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash
# OR install via npm
npm install -g openclaw
# Initialize your personal agent
openclaw init my-agent
cd my-agent
macOS Gatekeeper — Handle the Warning
macOS Sequoia may show a security warning for OpenClaw since it's open-source (not from the App Store). This is normal. To allow it:
- 1. When you see "cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer" → click Cancel
- 2. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security
- 3. Scroll down and click "Allow Anyway" next to the OpenClaw warning
- 4. Re-run the command — it will work now
Step 3: Run Onboarding (5 minutes)
openclaw onboard
The interactive wizard walks you through configuration. Here are the optimal choices for macOS Sequoia:
Select Anthropic Claude for best results on macOS — Claude's context handling is excellent for macOS system integration tasks
Select iMessage (macOS exclusive) to chat with your agent directly in Messages.app — no third-party apps needed
Choose Yes — your agent will remember your preferences, projects, and context between conversations
Choose Yes with Launch Agent — OpenClaw will start automatically when you log in to macOS
Step 4: Install the macOS Companion App
The Companion App is a macOS-exclusive menubar app that gives you instant access to your OpenClaw agent from the top menu bar — without opening a terminal. It's currently in beta but works excellently on macOS Sequoia.
Download Companion App
# Download from GitHub releases
# Go to: github.com/openclaw/openclaw/releases/latest
# Download: OpenClaw-Companion-x.x.x-universal.dmg
# Or via Homebrew (when available)
brew install --cask openclaw-companion
macOS Sequoia Privacy Permissions
OpenClaw needs certain permissions to function fully on macOS Sequoia. Grant these in System Settings → Privacy & Security:
- ✅ Full Disk Access — for reading/writing files in automation tasks
- ✅ Accessibility — for browser control and UI automation
- ✅ Automation — for controlling other apps (Messages, Calendar, etc.)
- ✅ Screen Recording — if you use browser vision features
Step 5: Launch Agent for Auto-Start
If the onboarding wizard didn't set up auto-start, create a Launch Agent plist manually to have OpenClaw start automatically at login:
cat > ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ai.openclaw.gateway.plist <<'EOF'
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
<key>Label</key>
<string>ai.openclaw.gateway</string>
<key>ProgramArguments</key>
<array>
<string>/bin/bash</string>
<string>-c</string>
<string>cd ~/my-agent && openclaw gateway start</string>
</array>
<key>RunAtLoad</key>
<true/>
<key>KeepAlive</key>
<true/>
</dict>
</plist>
EOF
# Load the Launch Agent
launchctl load ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ai.openclaw.gateway.plist
# Verify it's running
launchctl list | grep openclaw
With KeepAlive: true, macOS will automatically restart OpenClaw if it crashes. Your agent stays online 24/7 without manual intervention.
macOS-Exclusive OpenClaw Features
iMessage Integration
Text your OpenClaw agent from iPhone just like a regular contact. Setup:
openclaw config set messaging imessage
openclaw gateway restart
Screenshot & Vision
OpenClaw can see your screen and take screenshots on macOS — perfect for automation tasks:
openclaw skill install vision
openclaw skill install browser-control
Calendar & Reminders
Your agent can manage Apple Calendar and Reminders directly via the macOS Automation permissions you granted. Ask it to "add a meeting tomorrow at 3pm" and it just works.
Shortcuts Integration
Trigger OpenClaw actions from Apple Shortcuts on macOS Sequoia — great for automating repetitive workflows from any app.
Network Performance: Why VPN07 Matters
Even on the fastest Mac hardware, OpenClaw is only as good as your network. Every tool call, every AI API request, every message your agent sends — all depend on stable, fast internet connectivity.
VPN07 — #1 Choice for OpenClaw on Mac
10 years of proven stability · $1.5/month · 1000Mbps dedicated bandwidth
When OpenClaw is running 24/7 on your Mac, it's constantly calling Anthropic and OpenAI APIs. VPN07's 1000Mbps channels give your agent consistent sub-50ms response times to AI providers, eliminating the timeouts that cause your agent to miss messages or fail at tasks. At just $1.5/month, it's the cheapest performance upgrade you can make for your OpenClaw setup.
macOS OpenClaw Quick Reference
# Check agent status
openclaw gateway status
# Open dashboard in browser
openclaw dashboard
# View agent logs
openclaw logs --follow
# Update OpenClaw
npm update -g openclaw
# Install a skill
openclaw skill install <skill-name>
# Stop/start gateway
openclaw gateway stop
openclaw gateway start
# Restart via launchctl
launchctl stop ai.openclaw.gateway
launchctl start ai.openclaw.gateway
Complete Your Mac Setup with VPN07
Your OpenClaw agent on macOS Sequoia deserves the best network foundation. VPN07 has been the trusted choice for Mac power users for 10 years — delivering 1000Mbps bandwidth across 70+ countries. At $1.5/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee, there's zero risk. Your agent will run faster, more reliably, and never miss a message.