---
name: openclaw-local-mac-mini
description: Set up OpenClaw locally and run it reliably on a Mac mini for private, always-on local agent workflows.
license: MIT
metadata:
  author: devops-skills
  version: "1.0"
---

# OpenClaw Local + Mac mini Setup

Use this skill when you want to run [OpenClaw](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw) on a developer laptop or promote it to a stable Mac mini host.

## Local Setup (any modern dev machine)

1. Clone and enter repository.
2. Follow upstream prerequisites from OpenClaw README (runtime, package manager, model/provider requirements).
3. Create a local environment file from the example and configure keys/endpoints.
4. Install dependencies and run the development command.
5. Validate startup by loading the local UI/API health endpoint.

```bash
git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw
# Follow upstream bootstrap steps in repo docs
# cp .env.example .env
# <install deps>
# <run dev server>
```

## Mac mini Production-ish Setup

### Host baseline

- Keep macOS updated and enable automatic security updates.
- Use wired Ethernet and a UPS for stability.
- Enable FileVault and lock down local admin access.
- Configure Tailscale or WireGuard for secure remote admin.

### Service operation

- Run OpenClaw in a dedicated user account.
- Store secrets in macOS Keychain or a managed secret store (avoid plain-text files in shared folders).
- Use `tmux` for manual operation or `launchd` for auto-start on reboot.
- Keep logs rotated and monitor disk usage.

### launchd pattern (example)

Create `/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.openclaw.service.plist` to run startup command from the OpenClaw directory, then:

```bash
sudo launchctl load -w /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.openclaw.service.plist
sudo launchctl list | rg openclaw
```

## Validation Checklist

- App starts after reboot without manual intervention.
- Health check succeeds from local network.
- Secrets are not committed and not world-readable.
- Access to admin interfaces is restricted to trusted users/devices.

## Troubleshooting Quick Hits

- Slow responses: verify model backend availability and local RAM/CPU pressure.
- Boot failures: inspect launchd logs and working directory paths.
- Auth errors: re-check provider keys, scopes, and endpoint URLs.
- Random crashes: pin dependency versions and restart with clean environment.

## Related Skills

- [ollama-stack](../ollama-stack/) - Local model serving patterns
- [mac-mini-llm-lab](../mac-mini-llm-lab/) - Mac mini reliability and security baseline
- [startup-it-troubleshooting](../../it/startup-it-troubleshooting/) - Small-team operational triage