OpenClaw has become one of the most talked-about tools recently. Many users are running it on Mac Minis, dedicated laptops, cloud servers, and personal PCs just to keep it online 24/7. But not everyone wants to dedicate their main machine to it. The smarter option is using a spare device.
An old Android phone works surprisingly well for this. With Termux, you can turn your phone into a lightweight Linux environment capable of running OpenClaw continuously. This guide walks through the full setup process.
Step 1: Install Termux on Your Android Phone
Termux provides a Linux-like terminal on Android, you can install it through Play Store but recommended method is to install it through .apk file.
Open Google and search for Termux, open F-Droid website and download the APK file. Install the app (allow permissions if required) Open Termux after installation Allow storage permissions when prompted
You will now see a terminal interface.
Step 2: Update Termux Packages
First, update the repositories to ensure everything is current.
Run: (Update repositories by running) pkg update && pkg upgrade -y
Run: termux-setup-storage (Grant file access)
This prepares your environment.
Step 4: Install proot-distro
This tool allows you to install Linux distributions inside Termux.
Run: pkg install proot-distro -y
Wait for installation to complete.
Step 5: Install Ubuntu in Termux
Now install Ubuntu: proot-distro install ubuntu
Once installed, log into Ubuntu: proot-distro login ubuntu
You are now inside a Linux environment.
Once inside, you can run standard Linux commands. It is recommended to immediately update the internal Ubuntu packages:
Step 6: Update Ubuntu
Run: apt update && apt upgrade -y
This ensures Ubuntu is fully updated.
Now, we're going to install OpenClaw
Step 7: Install Required Dependencies
Inside Ubuntu, update your packages and install the necessary build tools and Node.js: Run: apt update && apt upgrade -y Run: apt install -y curl git build-essential
These are required for OpenClaw.
Step 8: Install Node.js
OpenClaw requires Node.js.
Run: curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | bash -
Run: apt install nodejs -y
Wait for installation.
Step 9: Install OpenClaw
Now install OpenClaw globally: npm install -g openclaw@latest
Once complete, OpenClaw is installed.
Step 10: Apply Android Network Fix (Important)
To prevent crashes caused by Android kernel behavior, create a bypass script and load it.
Create script: nano hijack.js
Add required bypass content (if provided by your source).
Then add it to bashrc: nano ~/.bashrc
Add: source hijack.js
Save and run: source ~/.bashrc
After this, installation is complete, now let's set it up.
Step 11: Start OpenClaw Setup
Run: openclaw onboard
Follow the prompts: Select Yes to onboard Choose Quick Start Select an API provider (example: OpenRouter) Enter your API key Select a model
Step 12: Optional, Connect Telegram/WhatsApp (Your choice)
You can connect Telegram using BotFather and create your bot or if you want to connect WhatsApp, simply select WhatsApp and scan the QR code. I’m using Telegram so, here’s how I connected my Telegram.
Steps:
Open Telegram Search BotFather Run: /newbot Create a bot name (you choice) Copy the bot token Paste it into OpenClaw setup
This allows Telegram integration.
Step 13: Start OpenClaw Gateway
Run: openclaw gateway --verbose
This starts the OpenClaw service.
You will receive a dashboard URL.
Open it in your browser.
Step 14: Connect Dashboard
If disconnected:
Open a new Termux session Login to Ubuntu: proot-distro login ubuntu Retrieve gateway token: cat ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json Copy token Paste into dashboard Click connect
Your OpenClaw instance is now active.
Step 15: Test OpenClaw
Go to: Dashboard > Chat
Send a test message like:
hello
If it responds, everything is working correctly.
Conclusion
You don’t need expensive hardware, cloud servers, or a Mac Mini to run OpenClaw. A spare Android phone is more than capable of handling it with Termux and Ubuntu. Once configured, it can run quietly in the background and stay connected without interrupting your daily workflow.
If you have an unused phone, putting it to work like this is one of the most practical ways to stay active without dedicating your main machine. Set it up once, keep it online, and let it run.
Disclaimer:
This guide is for educational purposes only. Running OpenClaw or similar tools is entirely at your own risk. It is strongly recommended to use a spare Android phone that does not contain any personal data, private accounts, or sensitive information. Avoid installing or running it on your primary device. Always understand what you are installing, review permissions carefully, and maintain full responsibility for your device, data, and security.