OpenClaw for iOS

Connect your iPhone or iPad to OpenClaw (formerly Clawdbot and Moltbot) as a node

The iOS app connects your iPhone or iPad to your OpenClaw Gateway as a node, giving you mobile access to Canvas, chat, voice features, and camera access.

How iOS Works with OpenClaw

iOS devices connect as "nodes" to your Gateway:

  • Node Architecture - iOS app pairs with your Gateway
  • WebSocket Connection - Connects via Gateway WebSocket
  • Canvas Surface - Access visual Canvas workspace
  • Mobile Chat - Chat interface optimized for iOS
  • Voice Features - Voice wake and talk mode
  • Camera Access - Send photos and images

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

Installing the iOS App

From App Store

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

From Source (Development)

For development builds:

  1. Clone the repository
  2. Open in Xcode
  3. Build and run on your device
  4. Note: Requires Apple Developer account for device installation

Pairing with Gateway

The iOS app pairs securely with your Gateway:

Step 1: Start Your Gateway

Ensure your Gateway is running on your host machine:

Start Gateway 
openclaw gateway

Step 2: Open iOS App

Open the OpenClaw app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 3: Pair Device

The app will:

  1. Scan for available Gateways (via Bonjour/mDNS)
  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 iOS app
  3. Complete the pairing process

iOS Features

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 iOS chat UI
  • Quick message sending
  • Message history
  • Notifications

Voice Features

Voice interaction on iOS:

  • Voice wake (always listening)
  • Talk mode (two-way voice)
  • Voice notes
  • Native iOS speech APIs

Camera Access

Send photos and images:

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

Remote Access

Connect to your Gateway remotely:

Same Network (LAN)

  • Automatic discovery via Bonjour
  • 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

Permissions Required

The iOS app requires:

  • Microphone - For voice wake and voice notes
  • Camera - For taking photos
  • Photo Library - For selecting images
  • Local Network - For Gateway discovery
  • Notifications - For message alerts

Grant these permissions when prompted for full functionality.

Troubleshooting iOS Issues

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. Check network stability
  2. Verify Gateway is still running
  3. Check iOS app logs
  4. Try re-pairing

Voice Not Working

If voice features don't work:

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

Best Practices for iOS

  • Keep Gateway Running - iOS app needs active Gateway
  • Use Same Network - Best performance on LAN
  • Enable Notifications - Stay updated on messages
  • Grant Permissions - Allow necessary access
  • Keep App Updated - Latest features and fixes

Next Steps