How to Run OpenClaw on Your Old Android Phone

DevBlog

Feb 23, 2026 · 4 min read · 51 views

How to Run OpenClaw on Your Old Android Phone

You can now run a powerful AI agent called OpenClaw on an old Android phone. You do not need a fancy laptop or a Mac Mini to make this work. Many people worry about security when they run new AI tools on their main computers. Using an old phone that is just sitting in a drawer is a great way to stay safe. This setup allows your AI to run 24/7 without risking your private data. This guide will show you exactly how to turn that old phone into a personal assistant.

What is OpenClaw?

OpenClaw is different from tools like ChatGPT or Gemini. Those apps usually just talk to you or give you information. OpenClaw is an AI bot that can actually do things. It can reply to your emails or write code for you. It can even fetch the latest news every morning so you do not have to read the paper. Because it performs tasks, many people compare it to Jarvis from the movies.

Why Use an Old Android Phone?

Running AI agents can sometimes be risky for your digital security. You might not want an experimental agent having access to your personal files or bank info. By using an old Android device, you create a "sandbox." This keeps the AI away from your important data. It also gives a second life to a device that was just rotting away.

Step 1: Install Termux

The first step is to get a terminal on your phone. Termux is an app that lets you run command lines directly on Android.

  • Open the Google Play Store on your phone.

  • Search for Termux and install it.

  • If you see errors in the Play Store, download it from F-Droid instead.

  • Open the app and zoom in so you can see the text clearly.

Step 2: Set Up Ubuntu and NodeJS

Now you need to create the right environment for the AI. You will install a version of Linux called Ubuntu inside Termux.

  1. Update Packages: Run the command to update Termux. This will also install Ubuntu.

  2. Log In: Use the login command to enter the Ubuntu environment. You will know it worked when you see "root@localhost" on your screen.

  3. Install Dependencies: Update Ubuntu and get the packages needed for OpenClaw.

  4. Install NodeJS: This is the engine that runs the software. Paste the command to install the newest version of NodeJS.

Step 3: Install OpenClaw

Once the environment is ready, you can install the actual AI software.

  • Paste the install command for OpenClaw into the terminal.

  • Wait for the success message.

  • Run the bypass commands provided in the guide. These help the software run smoothly on a mobile device.

  • Make these changes permanent by entering the final setup command.

Step 4: Onboarding and API Keys

Now it is time to set up the "brain" of your bot. You need to connect it to an AI model.

Connecting a Model

You can use paid models like OpenAI or Anthropic. If you want a free version, use Google Gemini. You can get a free API key from the Google AI Studio.

Getting Your API Key

  • Go to the Google AI Studio website on your laptop.

  • Click Create New API Key.

  • Copy that key and paste it back into Termux on your phone.

  • Select a model like Gemini 1.5 Flash Preview. It is fast and works great for this setup.

Step 5: Connecting to WhatsApp

You need a way to talk to your bot. You can use Telegram or WhatsApp. This guide uses WhatsApp for easy access.

  • Enter your phone number when the terminal asks for it.

  • You will see a QR code or a link.

  • Follow the steps to link your WhatsApp account.

  • Once linked, you can text your bot just like a friend.

FeatureDescriptionModelGemini 1.5 Flash (Free)PlatformTermux on AndroidInterfaceWhatsApp or Web ChromeMain UsePersonal Tasks and Skills

Configuring Skills and Hooks

OpenClaw can learn new "skills." During the setup, it will ask if you want to add things like Apple Reminders or Google Places.

  • Use npm as your preferred node manager.

  • You can skip the extra API keys for now by typing "no" when asked.

  • Wait for the message that says Onboarding Complete.

How to Chat with Your Bot

To start the bot, run the command openclaw gateway verbose. This shows you everything the bot is doing in real time.

Using the Web Interface

Copy the link shown in Termux and paste it into Google Chrome on the same phone. To make it work, you need a Gateway Token.

  1. Open a new tab in Termux.

  2. Log back into Ubuntu.

  3. Run the token command and copy the long string of text.

  4. Paste that into the Chrome settings.

  5. When it says "Connected," you are ready to go.

Using WhatsApp

Simply open WhatsApp and find the chat you linked. Send a message like "Hello" or "Hi." You can also type /status to see if the bot is running correctly.

Level Up Your AI Agent

You have successfully turned an old phone into a smart assistant. The best part about OpenClaw is that you can keep adding to it. You can install new skills to make the bot more powerful. It can manage your schedule, search the web, or help you learn.

Give it a try today! Dig that old phone out of your drawer and follow these steps. You will have your own private AI running in no time. If you get stuck, remember to go back and check your API keys or package updates. Enjoy your new AI sidekick!