OpenClaw Nodes Explained — What They Are and How to Use Them
Understand OpenClaw nodes — what they are, how they connect your devices, and how to use nodes for multi-device agent access and distributed workloads.
· Updated March 2026 · 10 min read Use this guide, then keep going
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Nodes are one of OpenClaw's more advanced features, and they're worth understanding if you're running OpenClaw across multiple devices or want to extend your agent's reach beyond a single machine.
What is an OpenClaw Node?
A node is a connected device in your OpenClaw network. Your primary machine (laptop or VPS) runs the main gateway. Nodes are additional devices that can:
- Run tasks delegated from the main gateway
- Provide browser automation on a specific machine
- Extend tool access (e.g., a Mac node for desktop automation, a Pi node for local sensors)
- Act as a companion device for mobile access
The gateway and nodes communicate over your network or through a Tailscale/VPN tunnel.
Node vs. Gateway
| Concept | Gateway | Node |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Brain — orchestrates everything | Worker — executes specific tasks |
| LLM connection | Yes — directly queries LLM | Optional — defers to gateway |
| Channels | Manages all channel connections | No direct channel management |
| Cron scheduler | Yes — runs all scheduled tasks | No — receives delegated tasks |
| Browser | Can run browser tools | Can provide browser for specific tasks |
Setting Up a Node
# On the node device (e.g., a second Mac or Pi):
npm install -g openclaw
openclaw node init
# This generates a node ID and pairing key
# On your main gateway, pair the node:
openclaw node pair --key NODE_PAIRING_KEY
openclaw node list
# Should show: node-id | hostname | status: connectedCommon Node Use Cases
Desktop Automation Node
Run a node on your main workstation so your agent (hosted on a VPS) can control your desktop applications, access local files, or use your Mac's browser session with your existing logins.
Raspberry Pi Node
A Pi node can provide: local network access, IoT sensor data, home automation triggers, and a persistent presence for local-network-only tools.
# Pi node setup:
ssh pi@raspberrypi
npm install -g openclaw
openclaw node init --name "home-pi"
# Copy the pairing key, then pair on main gatewayMobile Node (iOS/Android)
The OpenClaw companion app pairs as a node — this lets you receive notifications, approve actions, and interact with your agent from your phone without a full terminal setup.
Node Health Monitoring
openclaw node list
# Shows all nodes, their status, last ping time
openclaw node status node-id
# Detailed status for a specific node
openclaw gateway logs | grep node
# See node-related events in the gateway logSecurity for Nodes
Nodes communicate over encrypted channels. For nodes on different networks (e.g., VPS gateway + home laptop node), use Tailscale to create a secure tunnel between them. Never expose node pairing endpoints to the public internet directly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need nodes to use OpenClaw?
No — most OpenClaw users run a single gateway on one machine without any nodes. Nodes are an advanced feature for multi-device setups or when you need your agent to perform tasks on a specific device.
Can I use a Raspberry Pi as an OpenClaw node?
Yes — the Pi 4 or Pi 5 works well as a node. Install Node.js 18+ and the OpenClaw npm package, then pair it with your main gateway. It's a popular setup for home automation and local network access.
How many nodes can I connect to one OpenClaw gateway?
The practical limit depends on your gateway's resources and network capacity. Most home setups work fine with 3-5 nodes. VPS-hosted gateways can handle more. There's no hard-coded limit.
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