Answers to the most common OpenClawAi.run questions.
This FAQ covers the essentials: what the online OpenClaw tool is, how instances and sessions work, what the free beta limits are, and how data and credentials are handled. If you do not see your question, contact support and we will help.
Top 5 questions, fast
Do I need to install OpenClaw? No. Do I need a model key? Yes, it is BYOK. Can others access my instance? No. Is there a demo? Coming soon. What happens when I delete? Data is removed and cannot be recovered.
Getting started
What is OpenClawAi.run?
OpenClawAi.run is an online OpenClaw tool that hosts OpenClaw instances in the cloud. It combines the OpenClaw gateway, control console, and tool execution framework into a browser-first experience.
Do I need to install OpenClaw locally?
No. The hosted instance runs online, so you only need a modern browser to access the console.
Do I need to log in to try it?
A read-only demo is coming soon. Live instances will require login so we can isolate your runtime and protect credentials.
How long does it take to create an instance?
Instance creation is designed to complete in minutes. During busy periods, a queue may appear, and the console will show status updates until the instance is ready.
Which browsers are supported?
Modern Chromium, Firefox, and Safari-based browsers are supported. WebSocket access is required.
Instances and sessions
What is the difference between an instance and a session?
An instance is the isolated environment that runs OpenClaw. A session is a single conversation or task that runs inside that instance. Sessions are shorter-lived; the instance can persist across sessions.
How many instances can I run at once?
The free beta allows one concurrent instance per user.
Will my instance stay alive forever?
No. Idle instances auto-pause. If an instance remains inactive for one month, it is removed and data cannot be recovered.
Can I pause, restart, or delete my instance?
Yes. The console provides controls to pause, restart, and delete your instance at any time.
Free beta limits
Why is the service free right now?
The platform is in beta. We are collecting feedback on how people use hosted OpenClaw instances and tuning infrastructure accordingly.
What are the current free limits?
Current limits include one concurrent instance, a maximum 30-minute runtime per session, and automatic pausing when idle. These limits may evolve as we scale.
What happens when I hit a limit?
You will see a clear notice in the console. Depending on the limit, the system may queue, pause, or temporarily block new runs until capacity is available.
Can I upgrade for higher limits?
Upgrade paths are being evaluated. If you need higher limits, contact support to discuss your use case.
Security and privacy
Are my instances isolated from other users?
Yes. Each instance is isolated so other users cannot access your runtime or files.
Do you read or use my data?
We do not access or use your content. We only collect the minimal access logs required to keep the platform secure and operational.
What data is stored after I delete an instance?
Deleting an instance removes its data. Deletions are permanent and cannot be recovered.
Can I export my data?
Export is not supported in the current beta. If you need export, contact support with your use case.
Where can I read the full security policy?
Visit the Security & Privacy page for full details.
BYOK credentials
Do I need my own OpenAI or Anthropic key?
Yes. OpenClawAi.run is BYOK, so you provide your own model key.
Where is my key stored?
Your key is stored inside your instance only, not shared across users.
Can I delete my key?
Yes. Remove it from the console or delete the instance to clear all credentials.
Is OAuth supported?
OAuth is not supported yet. We may add OAuth options in a future release.
What if my key has no remaining quota?
The console will surface an error. Add a valid key or increase quota with your provider.
Troubleshooting
My instance creation is stuck or looping.
Check the Status page. If there is no incident, wait a few minutes and try again.
The console is blank or not loading.
Refresh the page, check your network, and ensure WebSocket access is available.
I see a limit or queue notice.
The free beta has explicit quotas. Wait for capacity or try again later.
Where should I report a bug?
Email support@openclawai.run with your instance ID, timestamp, and browser details.
Still have questions?
If your question is not covered here, reach out and we will help. We are actively refining the hosted OpenClaw experience and want to remove uncertainty wherever we can.