How to Host Moltbot (Formerly Clawdbot): The Complete Guide
Learn how to host your own Moltbot instance. We compare self-hosting on a VPS versus using a managed service like ClawdHost.
What is Moltbot?
Moltbot (formerly Clawdbot) is the leading open-source personal AI assistant. Unlike standard chatbots, Moltbot is agentic—it lives on your server, remembers your conversations, and can proactively perform tasks.
Most importantly, it integrates natively with WhatsApp, allowing you to chat with your AI assistant just like you would with a friend.
Option 1: Self-Hosting (The Hard Way)
If you are a sysadmin or enjoy managing servers, you can host Moltbot yourself. Here is what you will need:
- A VPS: We recommend Hetzner or DigitalOcean (approx $5-10/mo).
- Node.js 22+: Moltbot runs on the bleeding edge.
- Terminal Skills: You'll need to use SSH,
systemd, andgit.
Step-by-Step
- SSH into your server:
ssh root@your-ip - Install dependencies:
apt install nodejs git ... - Clone the repo:
git clone https://github.com/moltbot/moltbot - Configure
.env: Add your API keys. - Start the process:
npm start - Scan QR: This is tricky part. You need to see the QR code in your server terminal or tunnel it to your local machine.
Option 2: Managed Hosting (The Easy Way)
If you just want the assistant without the headache, ClawdHost provides a fully managed solution.
- One-Click Setup: We handle the VPS provisioning.
- Web Dashboard: Scan the WhatsApp QR code directly in your browser.
- Auto-Updates: We keep your Moltbot instance running on the latest version.
Get Started with ClawdHost for $25/mo
Conclusion
Self-hosting gives you total control but requires maintenance. Managed hosting saves you time and ensures 24/7 uptime. Choose the path that fits your technical comfort level.