CI users and developers who want to run OpenClaw on a remote Mac can follow this reproducible tutorial: from Docker prerequisites (Mac environment, memory and disk), clone and docker-setup, through .env and openclaw.json configuration, startup and verification, to CI integration (e.g. GitHub Actions or script calls). You get step-by-step commands and a short troubleshooting section.

Prerequisites and Environment

On the remote Mac, ensure Docker is available and resources are sufficient. Recommended minimums:

  • OS: macOS 12+ (Monterey or later). Apple Silicon or Intel supported.
  • Docker: Docker Desktop or Docker Engine with Compose v2. Verify with docker --version and docker compose version.
  • Memory: At least 8 GB RAM for the host; 16 GB preferred if OpenClaw plus other CI workloads run together.
  • Disk: 20 GB free for images and volumes; more if you cache models or large dependencies.

Optional: Git installed for cloning the repo; SSH or VNC access to the Mac for remote setup.

Docker Deployment Steps

Follow these steps for a reproducible deployment.

1

Clone the repository. Clone the OpenClaw repo (or the image build context) onto the Mac. Example: git clone https://github.com/your-org/openclaw.git && cd openclaw. Use a tag or commit you intend to run in CI.

2

Run docker-setup (if provided). Many projects ship a docker-setup or setup.sh script. Run it from the repo root, e.g. ./docker-setup or bash docker-setup. It typically pulls base images and may create networks or volumes.

3

Configure .env. Copy .env.example to .env and set variables (API keys, gateway URL, model names, ports). Keep secrets out of version control.

4

Configure openclaw.json. Adjust model endpoints, timeouts, and any gateway or routing options to match your environment. Path is usually under the project config directory or passed via env.

5

Start and verify. Run docker compose up -d (or docker-compose up -d). Then call the health or status endpoint, or run a minimal task (e.g. openclaw status or openclaw doctor if available) to confirm the service is up.

Gateway and Model Configuration

In .env, set the gateway base URL and any API keys. In openclaw.json, define model IDs, providers, and timeouts so OpenClaw can reach your LLM or gateway. Typical parameters:

  • Gateway URL (e.g. OPENCLAW_GATEWAY_URL or similar).
  • Model name / ID used in requests.
  • Retry and timeout values to avoid CI job failures on transient errors.

After editing, restart the stack: docker compose down && docker compose up -d. Re-run your verification step.

Calling OpenClaw from CI

Once OpenClaw is running on the remote Mac, CI can call it via HTTP or CLI.

  • GitHub Actions: Add a job that SSHes to the Mac (or uses a self-hosted runner on that Mac). In the job, run openclaw or curl against the OpenClaw API. Store the Mac host and credentials in GitHub secrets.
  • Scripts: From any runner that can reach the Mac, run a script that invokes openclaw or the API (e.g. curl -X POST .../run). Use the same .env or env vars for endpoint and keys.

Example pattern: checkout repo → install deps (or use an image that has the OpenClaw client) → call OpenClaw to pre-pull or run a task → run your build/tests. This keeps dependency pull and model access stable and repeatable. For self-hosted runners, install the OpenClaw CLI on the Mac and point it at the Docker service URL.

Common Errors and Troubleshooting

Frequent issues and quick checks:

  • Container exits or "out of memory": Increase Docker memory limit or host RAM; reduce parallel workers in config.
  • Connection refused to gateway/model: Confirm .env and openclaw.json point to the correct URL and port; ensure the gateway/service is up and reachable from the container network.
  • CI job timeouts calling OpenClaw: Increase job timeout; add retries in the client or use OpenClaw retry options; check Mac and network latency.
  • Permission or path errors: Ensure volumes and bind mounts have correct ownership; run docker-setup as the same user that runs CI if needed.

Summary and Next Steps

You now have a reproducible path: prerequisites (Mac, Docker, memory/disk) → clone and docker-setup → .env and openclaw.json → start and verify → CI integration (GitHub Actions or scripts). For a stable, always-on remote Mac to run OpenClaw and CI without sharing a laptop or dealing with spot instances, consider renting a dedicated Mac Mini (e.g. M4) with SSH/VNC. You get a fixed environment and predictable performance. Check our pricing, homepage, and purchase page (no login required), or browse more guides on our blog.

Run OpenClaw and CI on a Dedicated Remote Mac

Rent a Mac Mini M4 for stable OpenClaw and CI. SSH/VNC included. View pricing and purchase—no login required. Or read more on our blog.

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