How to Install OpenClaw on Hostinger VPS
Two paths: 1-click install (fastest) or manual Docker setup (most flexible). Both result in a running OpenClaw Gateway — the choice depends on how much control you need.
One Click OpenClaw Install Hostinger VPS
Automate your workflow with 24/7 AI agents. Optimized for Hostinger KVM 2 plans.
What is the fastest way to install OpenClaw on Hostinger?
Use the 1-click OpenClaw template in Hostinger hPanel. It pre-installs Node.js 22+, configures the Gateway, and integrates Nexos.ai credits — all in under 5 minutes, with no command-line experience required.
1-Click vs Manual Docker: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | 1-Click Managed | Manual Docker |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Click Deployment | ✅ Automated | ❌ Manual |
| Docker Socket Access | ⚠️ Restricted | ✅ Full Access |
| Nexos.ai Integration | ✅ Built-in | ❌ Separate |
| Custom Network Config | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Full Control |
| Node.js Version Control | ✅ Auto (22+) | ✅ Configurable |
| Ideal For | Non-technical users | Developers / Power Users |
For projects requiring high-complexity code execution, choose Manual Docker to ensure full container-level isolation and /var/run/docker.sock access.
Path A: 1-Click Install (Recommended for Most Users)
Ready in under 5 minutes. No Linux knowledge required.
Choose a Hostinger VPS Plan
Select KVM 2 (4 vCPU, 8 GB RAM) as the recommended sweet spot for personal-to-professional use.
Navigate to the App Marketplace
In your hPanel, go to VPS → Manage → App → select the OpenClaw one-click template.
Configure Nexos.ai Credits
The managed template integrates with Nexos.ai for unified credit management — no per-API-key setup required.
Complete the Onboarding Wizard
The wizard configures Node.js 22+, the Gateway on port 18789, and your first agent identity.
Bind Gateway to Localhost
Immediately after setup, ensure port 18789 is bound to 127.0.0.1, not 0.0.0.0. Access via SSH tunnel.
Path B: Manual Docker Setup (Developer Recommended)
Full control over networking, Docker socket, and VPS hardening.
Provision a Clean Ubuntu 24.04 VPS
Select Hostinger KVM 2 or higher. SSH in as root and create a non-root sudo user.
Install Docker Engine
Use the official Docker install script. Also mount /var/run/docker.sock for full container sandbox support.
Install Node.js 22+
Use the NodeSource repository: curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo bash -
Clone and Configure OpenClaw
git clone the OpenClaw repository, copy .env.example to .env, and add your API credentials.
Configure SOUL.md and AGENTS.md
Create your agent personality file (SOUL.md) and operating procedures (AGENTS.md) before first launch.
Start with PM2
Use pm2 start npm -- run gateway to ensure the process restarts on VPS reboot.
Infrastructure Hidden Costs to Budget For
Essential for recovering MEMORY.md and config files after a failed deployment.
Active agents accumulate 20–50 GB of JSONL and Markdown logs over 6 months.
Pre-hardened platforms like InstaPods or EasyClaw.co save DevOps hours.
Ready to Install Your First Agent?
Start with the 1-click template on any Hostinger KVM 2 plan — from $7/mo.