OpenClaw for Android

The Android app connects your Android phone or tablet to your OpenClaw Gateway as a node, giving you mobile access to Canvas, chat, voice features, and camera access.

Android devices connect as "nodes" to your Gateway:

• Node Architecture - Android app pairs with your Gateway
• WebSocket Connection - Connects via Gateway WebSocket
• Canvas + Chat - Full Canvas and chat interfaces
• Camera - Camera access for photos
• Voice Features - Voice wake and talk mode
• Background Operation - Runs in background

Note: You need a Gateway running (on macOS, Linux, or Windows) before you can connect an Android node.

From Google Play Store

1. Search for "OpenClaw" in Google Play Store
2. Download and install the app
3. Open the app
4. Follow the pairing process

From APK (Alternative)

For direct installation:

1. Download the APK from releases
2. Enable "Install from Unknown Sources" in Android settings
3. Install the APK
4. Open and pair with Gateway

The Android app pairs securely with your Gateway:

Step 1: Start Your Gateway

Ensure your Gateway is running on your host machine:

openclaw gateway

Step 2: Open Android App

Open the OpenClaw app on your Android device.

Step 3: Pair Device

The app will:

1. Scan for available Gateways
2. Show available Gateways on your network
3. Display a QR code or pairing code
4. Connect securely after pairing

Manual Pairing

If automatic discovery doesn't work:

1. Get your Gateway address (e.g., 192.168.1.100:18789)
2. Enter it manually in the Android app
3. Complete the pairing process

Canvas Access

Access the visual Canvas workspace:

• View agent-driven visual interfaces
• Interact with Canvas elements
• Real-time updates
• Touch-optimized interface

Chat Interface

Mobile-optimized chat:

• Native Android chat UI
• Quick message sending
• Message history
• Notifications

Voice Features

Voice interaction on Android:

• Voice wake (always listening)
• Talk mode (two-way voice)
• Voice notes
• Android speech recognition

Camera Access

Send photos and images:

• Take photos directly
• Select from gallery
• Send images to agent
• Image analysis

Connect to your Gateway remotely:

Same Network (LAN)

• Automatic discovery
• No configuration needed
• Fastest connection

Tailscale VPN

• Secure VPN connection
• Works from anywhere
• Automatic discovery
• See Remote Access guide for setup

SSH Tunnel

• Encrypted tunnel
• Manual configuration
• Works over internet

The Android app requires:

• Microphone - For voice wake and voice notes
• Camera - For taking photos
• Storage - For accessing images
• Network - For Gateway connection
• Notifications - For message alerts

Grant these permissions when prompted for full functionality.

Battery Optimization

To ensure the app runs in background:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → OpenClaw
2. Disable battery optimization
3. Allow background activity

Network Restrictions

Some Android versions restrict background network access:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → OpenClaw
2. Allow unrestricted data usage
3. Disable data saver restrictions

Can't Find Gateway

If the app can't find your Gateway:

1. Ensure Gateway is running: openclaw status
2. Check both devices are on same network
3. Try manual Gateway address entry
4. Check firewall settings

Connection Drops

If connection keeps dropping:

1. Disable battery optimization
2. Check network stability
3. Verify Gateway is still running
4. Try re-pairing

Voice Not Working

If voice features don't work:

1. Check microphone permissions
2. Verify Android speech recognition is enabled
3. Check app settings
4. Restart the app

• Keep Gateway Running - Android app needs active Gateway
• Disable Battery Optimization - Keeps connection alive
• Use Same Network - Best performance on LAN
• Enable Notifications - Stay updated on messages
• Grant Permissions - Allow necessary access