OpenClaw Setup Guide: The Cheapest Way Using the Latest MiniMax M2.5 Model

In this guide, I’ll walk you through an affordable and straightforward way to get OpenClaw up and running with the cutting-edge MiniMax 2.5 model. We also have a full video guide if you need visual assistance.

Why This Setup? A Quick Intro

OpenClaw is an fantastic open-source AI agent framework that allows you to build and run autonomous AI tasks. The beauty of this approach is its sandboxed nature—you can test and play around without exposing your main computer to potential issues. Instead of splurging on something like a Mac Mini, we’ll use a cheap cloud server from Zeabur combined with the MiniMax 2.5 model, which costs about $20 a month for solid performance.

This method is ideal for beginners because it’s simple, low-risk, and scalable. Plus, MiniMax 2.5 offers high intelligence at a fraction of the cost of bigger models. If you’re new to AI like me, starting here means you can focus on learning without overwhelming setup hurdles. Ready? Let’s choose your server.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Server

The key to keeping costs down is selecting an accessible and affordable hosting provider. I recommend Zeabur over more complex options like Digital Ocean or AWS—it’s user-friendly and perfect for quick setups.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Head to Zeabur’s website and create an account.
2. Set up a new server with minimal specs: 2GB RAM and 40GB storage. This should cost you less than $2 per month.
3. Choose a server region close to you for better speed—for example, Singapore if you’re in Asia.
4. Once created, you’ll get an IP address, username (usually “Ubuntu”), and password.

To connect to your server, use a terminal app like Termius. Enter the IP, username, and password, and you’re in! This remote setup keeps everything isolated, so you can experiment freely.

Step 2: Installing OpenClaw

With your server ready, installation is a breeze. OpenClaw’s official site makes it easy with a one-line command for Linux.

Follow these steps:

1. Go to openclaw.ai and find the “Max Linux” installation section.
2. Copy the provided command (it’ll look something like a curl or wget script to download and install).
3. In your server terminal, paste the command. On a Mac, use Shift+Ctrl+V; on other systems, try Command+V or right-click paste.
4. The process takes about 2-3 minutes. Sit back and let it run.

If you encounter a “warn path missing” error after installation, fix it with this command:

export PATH=$PATH:/path/to/openclaw

(Replace /path/to/openclaw with the actual installation path if needed.)

During setup, you’ll be prompted to choose a model. Select MiniMax 2.5—it’s powerful and included in affordable plans. You’ll need a MiniMax API key; I suggest the coding plan, which gives you 300 prompts over 5 hours for testing. Input your key when asked.

Pro Tip: If you mess up the initial setup, run openclaw onboard to restart the process fresh.

Step 3: Configuring OpenClaw for Optimal Use

Once installed, access the Terminal User Interface (TUI) with:

openclaw TUI

This interface lets you interact with your AI agent directly.Key configuration tips:

• Stick with MiniMax M2.5 (avoid Lightning if it’s not in your plan).
• Use openclaw configure to tweak settings like models, gateways, or skills.
• For now, focus on basic setup. In future guides, I’ll cover integrations like connecting to Telegram or Discord for threaded conversations (which I prefer over TUI for better organization).

Your OpenClaw AI can now handle tasks like web searches, Twitter (X) data scraping, managing shared notes, and even task automation. Over time, you can train it for more personalized responses. Remember, keep it isolated initially to protect your personal data—security first!

Common Troubleshooting Commands:

• openclaw onboard: Reset and restart setup.
• openclaw configure: Adjust models, skills, or connections.

Wrapping Up: Next Steps and Final Thoughts

There you have it—a complete, budget-friendly guide to setting up OpenClaw with MiniMax 2.5. This setup has been a game-changer for me, allowing hands-on AI experimentation without the high costs or risks. In under 15 minutes, you’ll have a running AI agent ready for action.

If you run into issues or want to dive deeper, check out my Discord community for tips and discussions: Join here. Upcoming videos will cover advanced topics like Telegram/Discord bots, fixing common errors, and even more integrations.

If you’re enjoying this journey into AI, subscribe to my channel @BoxminingAI for more beginner-friendly guides on vibe coding, AI models, and tools.