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Getting Started

This guide covers deploying OpenClaw on your k3s cluster and connecting messaging channels.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

  • A running k3s cluster with ArgoCD installed
  • kubectl access configured for your cluster
  • A Discord account (for bot creation)
  • A WhatsApp account (to link)
  • An OpenRouter API key (for AI model access)
  • A Cloudflare account (for tunnel token)

Deployment

OpenClaw is deployed via ArgoCD using a Helm chart. See the OCI OpenClaw deployment guide for the complete ArgoCD application manifest.

Quick Steps

  1. Create Sealed Secrets for sensitive credentials:
  2. Discord bot token
  3. WhatsApp session data
  4. OpenRouter API key

  5. Cloudflare tunnel token

  6. Configure the ArgoCD Application:

  7. Chart: openclaw from https://chrisbattarbee.github.io/openclaw-helm
  8. Target revision: 0.1.7 (or latest)

  9. Namespace: openclaw

  10. Apply the manifest: 

    kubectl apply -f openclaw-application.yaml

  11. Verify deployment: 

    kubectl get pods -n openclaw

Connecting Channels

Discord

  1. Go to Discord Developer Portal
  2. Create a new application → Bot → Add Bot
  3. Copy the bot token (save this for the sealed secret)
  4. Under OAuth2 → URL Generator, select bot scope and permissions
  5. Invite the bot to your server
  6. The bot will appear online once OpenClaw starts

WhatsApp

  1. After OpenClaw starts, check the logs: 
    kubectl logs -n openclaw deployment/openclaw
  2. A QR code will be printed
  3. Scan it with WhatsApp → Linked Devices → Link a Device
  4. Your personal WhatsApp is now connected to OpenClaw

Web UI

Access via the Cloudflare tunnel endpoint. The NodePort is exposed at:

  • Port: 31105 (primary)
  • Port: 31225 (canvas)

First Test

Send a test message:

  • Discord: Mention the bot or DM directly
  • WhatsApp: Send any message to your linked number

Expected response: A greeting acknowledging the channel and readiness to help.

If no response:

  • Check pod logs: kubectl logs -n openclaw deployment/openclaw
  • Verify sealed secrets are correctly created
  • Confirm Discord bot token is valid

Post-Install

Once running:

  1. Customize your persona — Edit ~/.openclaw/workspace/personas/
  2. Enable skills — Check available skills in /app/skills/
  3. Set up automation — Create cron jobs for recurring tasks
  4. Commit changes — Push workspace updates to your backup repo

Next Steps