What Is ClawdBot (Now Moltbot)? A Guide to Understanding and Using the "AI Butler"

ClawdBot, now renamed as Moltbot, is an AI agent that runs on your computer and uses Claude to automate tasks through your messaging apps. But it can run locally and (with your permission) connect to apps and data on your device to get things done, not just answer questions.

How ClawdBot (now Moltbot) Works

While AI models like GPT and DeepSeek can respond to your prompts, you can think of ClawdBot like an AI butler.

You can message Moltbot, which is installed on your computer or laptop, to help you with real actions, just as a butler or assistant would. Here's what it can do:

• Runs on your local machine: ClawdBot runs on your own computer, not just in a cloud-based web page like ChatGPT, to be closer to your everyday apps.
• Uses Claude as the "brain": When you send a request, the agent uses Claude AI to understand what you mean and draft the response or next steps.
• Can interact with your computer: With your permission, it can open apps, type, click, and move information between tools. Before you begin your ClawdBot setup, make sure you have a computer you can leave on.
• Requires your own API Key: To power the brain, the agent uses an Anthropic API key during setup to access Claude's intelligence using your account.
• Optimization of costs: You can use APIYI as an API proxy alternative with an OpenAI-compatible interface with more competitive pricing.

How to Install ClawdBot Quickly

Before you get started, make sure you have the latest version of the software on your desktop or laptop. The quick install usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how comfortable you are with a terminal.

If you would like to install it quickly with the ClawdBot installer, you simply need to:

Open your terminal: If you use Windows, open WSL2 (Ubuntu terminal), as standard PowerShell is not supported. If you use Mac/Linux, open your standard terminal.

# Install via npm (recommended)
npm install -g clawdbot@latest
# Or use pnpm
pnpm add -g clawdbot@latest

Run the installation script: Copy and paste the following command:

curl -fsSL https://molt.bot/install.sh | bash

Follow the Wizard: The script will launch an onboarding wizard to help you set up your API keys and connect your first messaging app, like Telegram or WhatsApp.

# Start the interactive configuration wizard
moltbot onboard --install-daemon

Once you've gone through these steps, you should have the program set up on your computer, ready to perform different tasks for you at any time of day.

What Can You Actually Do with ClawdBot?

Using an AI agent doesn't have to be just for tech experts. Below are practical ways any professional, student, or casual user can run ClawdBot for day-to-day work and chores.

Draft and sort email replies

Ask the agent to summarize a long thread and draft a reply in your tone for support, sales, or internal emails to help you save time when you're answering similar questions or need a quick first draft.

Schedule meetings without the back-and-forth

Tell ClawdBot your availability schedule and the goal of the meeting, and have it propose times. This can be helpful when you're juggling a full calendar or trying to work with more than one person.

Clean up spreadsheets and simplify data entry

Try giving it messy notes or a list, and ask for a structured table with organized columns, categories, and duplicates removed to help you turn "rough info" into something you can actually filter and use.

Gather quick research briefs

When trying to speed up early research, you can ask Clawdbot for a short summary of a topic or key takeaways. Then you can request a list of sources to review next to better organize your workflow.

Organize files and folders

Tell your "AI butler" how you want things grouped, for example, by client, date, and project, and have it prepare a compact structure whenever downloads and shared files pile up, and you need to order your digital space quickly.

Integrations: What ClawdBot Can Connect To

ClawdBot can connect to everyday tools if you choose to authorize them, so it can act on requests rather than just reply with text.

• Email: Connect email accounts so that it can help summarize threads and draft replies. Limitation: it only works with the accounts you link.
• Calendar: Access calendar data to suggest times, create events, or prep agenda-style summaries. Limitation: depends on what permissions you grant.
• File system (local files): Read and organize files you point it to (notes, docs, downloads). Limitation: it won't "see" anything you don't allow.
• Other services: Connect to supported tools like Spotify and smart home services for simple commands and automations.

How Much Does ClawdBot Cost?

The good news is that ClawdBot itself is free, open source, and self-hosted, so you're not paying a monthly fee for the AI.

However, you do need to pay for usage of APIs. This is what you should be aware of:

• API costs: You'll need an API key from a source like Anthropic or even OpenAI, which is more cost-effective, and you will pay based on how much you use (more text in/out = higher cost).
• Usage: The cost for light, chat-style use is usually low. However, costs rise when you run longer tasks, for example, for summaries and automations.
• Hosting: You can run the AI on a computer you already have, or on a small VPS, typically for $3–$5/month.

For a broader comparison, see the different costs below for ClawdBot, ChatGPT, and Claude.

Keep in mind that the base cost for ClawdBot doesn't include the "brain" of the bot. You'll need to connect your own paid account that uses a "pay-as-you-go" model rather than a flat monthly fee, which can end up being expensive.

Is ClawdBot (now Moltbot) Safe to Run on Your System?

ClawdBot (now Moltbot) is powerful, but because it can execute commands, you must secure it properly.

The AI can be safe if you use it correctly, but it can also give out sensitive information if you're not careful. Here are some ways to keep your information safe when using Clawdbot:

• Prevent prompt injection: Hackers can trick the bot via DMs or group chats. Always set it to "mention-only" in groups and strictly authorize trusted users to prevent unauthorized access.
• Lock down the network: Never expose the admin panel to the open internet. Bind ports locally and access the interface only via a VPN or a secure reverse proxy.
• Limit tool access: Avoid running the bot with elevated (root) privileges. Go with sandboxed environments, so the bot cannot damage your host system if hacked.
• Manage your data: Configure backup policies and redaction to keep sensitive data and API keys private.
• Run the audit: Use the built-in security audit command to automatically scan your configuration for defects and footguns before going live.

ClawdBot (now Moltbot) Architecture in 60 Seconds

ClawdBot follows an architecture that goes from input to action in seconds. Here's the flow it follows from start to finish:

1. The input: You send a text via WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage, the same way you would message a friend or coworker.
2. The gateway: Your private server acts as a "traffic controller," instantly receiving the message and keeping the connection alive.
3. The brain: The system routes your text to the AI model (like Claude or GPT), which consults Long-Term Memory to recall past conversations and context.
4. The action: The agent uses tools such as web search, calendar access, or file management to perform the work before texting you the result.

FAQs About ClawdBot

Is ClawdBot a replacement for ChatGPT or Claude?

Depending on your needs, one AI tool may be better than the other. ClawdBot is better than ChatGPT when you want local control and an assistant that can live in your chats and connect to your tools.

However, web interfaces like GPT tools are better for quick questions, setup, and lower risk.

Do I need to be technical to set it up?

Luckily, you don't need to be a developer to install ClawdBot, but you do need basic knowledge of setups. You should know how to use a terminal, run a setup script, and how to paste a Claude key into a config/wizard.

If you're not sure how to do these tasks, it's recommended to ask a technical friend or follow the official guide closely.

Why does everyone talk about Mac minis?

Mac minis are popular "always-on" home computers, which work great for ClawdBot. However, you don't need a Mac Mini to use ClawdBot. It can run on a cheap VPS or on other hardware you already have.

Can ClawdBot run 24/7?

Yes, if the computer it's installed on stays on and connected 24/7, ClawdBot can run around the clock.

Remember to monitor your power usage, keep the system updated, and occasionally check logs/health. This makes sense if you want daily briefings or quick "message-to-action" tasks throughout the day.

Is it safe to connect email, calendar, and passwords?

Connecting emails, calendars, and other information can be generally safe with ClawdBot, but it's riskier than a web chatbot because it can grant real access to private email, files, and commands.

The biggest risks come from poor setup, which can expose your files to the public internet or leak your keys.

It's recommended to keep it private, use strong access controls, connect only what you need, and avoid linking sensitive accounts, such as banking.