OpenClaw doesn't need a dedicated app to work on your phone. The simplest way to use it is through Telegram — but there are also native iOS and Android options for power users.
Option 1: Telegram (Easiest — Works on Any Phone)
The fastest way to use OpenClaw on mobile is through Telegram. Your OpenClaw instance runs on a server, and you interact with it through the Telegram app you already have.
Setup time: Under 1 minute with ClawTank
What you can do:
- Send text messages to your AI assistant
- Forward emails, articles, and documents for summarization
- Send voice messages (OpenClaw transcribes and responds)
- Receive proactive notifications and reminders
- Share photos for analysis
Pros: Works immediately, no extra app, works on any phone Cons: Limited to what Telegram supports (no camera access, no on-device processing)
This is what 90% of OpenClaw users do, and it works great.
Option 2: iOS App (Power Users)
OpenClaw has an official iOS app that connects to your Gateway as a mobile node.
What it adds over Telegram:
- Camera access for real-time visual analysis
- Canvas mode for interactive content
- Voice chat (direct, not through Telegram voice messages)
- On-device features via node pairing
Setup requirements:
- An OpenClaw Gateway already running (on a Mac, Linux, or cloud server)
- Xcode to build the app from source (no App Store version yet)
- Same local network for initial pairing (or manual host/port entry)
Setup steps:
- Clone the OpenClaw repository
- Open
apps/iosin Xcode - Build and install on your iPhone
- The app discovers your Gateway via Bonjour on your local network
- Approve the pairing on your Gateway
Pros: Native experience, camera/voice access Cons: Requires Xcode, no App Store build, needs existing Gateway
Option 3: Android (Via Termux)
You can actually run an OpenClaw Gateway directly on your Android phone using Termux.
Setup steps:
- Install Termux from F-Droid
- Install Ubuntu inside Termux (no root required)
- Install Node.js 22+
- Install OpenClaw
- Run the Gateway
Pros: Fully self-contained, your phone IS the server Cons: Battery drain, limited processing power, complex setup, phone must stay on
There's also a dedicated Android voice assistant app that features wake word detection and continuous conversation mode.
Which Option Should You Choose?
| Scenario | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Just want it working | Telegram |
| Want camera/voice integration on iOS | iOS app |
| Want to tinker on Android | Termux |
| Non-technical user | Telegram |
| Developer/power user | iOS app or Termux |
The Practical Answer
For 95% of people, Telegram is the answer. It's already on your phone, works instantly, and gives you full access to your OpenClaw assistant.
The native apps are for power users who need camera access, on-device processing, or voice wake words. For most use cases — messaging, reminders, research, writing — Telegram does everything you need.
Get OpenClaw on Your Phone in 1 Minute
- Visit clawtank.dev on any device
- Create a Telegram bot (30 seconds with BotFather)
- Paste the token and sign in
- Open Telegram on your phone and message your bot
Your personal AI assistant, in your pocket, in under 1 minute.