The Mac Mini is one of the best machines for running OpenClaw. It’s quiet, power-efficient, runs macOS natively, and has enough power to run local AI models alongside OpenClaw if you want. Here’s the complete setup from scratch.
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What You’ll Need
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- Mac Mini (M2 or M4 recommended — check current price)
- macOS 13 Ventura or later
- A messaging channel (Telegram bot is easiest)
- About 30 minutes
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Step 1: Install Homebrew
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/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"\n
Step 2: Install Node.js
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brew install node\n
Step 3: Install OpenClaw
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npm install -g openclaw\n
Step 4: Run Setup
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openclaw setup\n
Follow the prompts to connect your Telegram bot (or other channel) and configure your AI provider.
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Step 5: Start OpenClaw
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openclaw start\n
Step 6: Run as a Background Service
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To keep OpenClaw running 24/7 and restart automatically after reboots:
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openclaw service install\nopenclaw service start\n
Power Settings
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Go to System Settings > Energy > and disable “Put hard disks to sleep when possible” and set the Mac to never sleep. This ensures OpenClaw stays responsive at all times. The Mac Mini uses about 15W at idle — roughly $1-2/month in electricity.
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Remote Access
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Enable Screen Sharing (System Settings > General > Sharing) so you can access your Mac Mini remotely if needed. For secure remote access from outside your home network, Tailscale is the cleanest solution.
Written by: Alex Torres, Editor at OpenClaw Resource
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Last Updated: May 2026
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Our Editorial Standards | How We Review Skills | Affiliate Disclosure
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Need to protect your home server from power outages? See our guide to the best UPS for home server protection →
Related: OpenClaw Complete Beginner’s Guide 2026 (Part 2)
Related: How to Run OpenClaw on a $5/Month VPS (Complete Setup Guide)
Related: OpenClaw Complete Beginner’s Guide 2026 (Part 2)
Related: How to Run OpenClaw on a $5/Month VPS (Complete Setup Guide)
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