Quick answer: OpenClaw can be deployed safely and cost-effectively when infrastructure, runtime, and security are planned together. If you want the fastest managed path, review the Managed OpenClaw VPS Hosting page first, then follow this guide for implementation detail.
Docker-based OpenClaw deployment is the cleanest path for repeatability. This guide covers the structure teams need for stable Ubuntu 22.04 deployment, validation, and rollback readiness.
Focus topics: openclaw docker setup, openclaw ubuntu docker, docker openclaw ubuntu, openclaw docker production
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Prerequisites for Ubuntu 22.04
Start with a clean Ubuntu 22.04 VPS, updated packages, and a controlled admin user. A clean host baseline avoids hidden conflicts that often appear when old package states and mixed repositories exist.
Confirm swap policy, disk availability, and firewall baseline before container deployment. OpenClaw stability depends on both host health and container configuration.
- Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
- 4 GB+ RAM with adequate swap policy
- Docker Engine and Compose plugin
- Firewall baseline (UFW) enabled
- Secrets strategy for API keys
Install Docker and Compose Correctly
Use official Docker packages and verify daemon startup after installation. Pinning to trusted repositories reduces dependency drift and helps ensure repeatable behavior across environments.
Treat Docker installation as part of infrastructure standardization. Consistent install methods make future debugging and team handoffs much easier.
Build a Production Compose Layout
Use separate files for compose definition, environment values, and deployment notes. Teams that keep these concerns separated move faster during updates because changes are scoped and reviewable.
Add restart policies and health checks. Without health visibility, failed services may look active while workflows silently break.
- Compose file with named services and explicit image tags
- Externalized `.env` for keys and runtime variables
- Persistent volumes for logs and state
- Health checks for critical services
- Restart policy tuned for reliability (`restart: unless-stopped`)
- Set memory limits for critical containers (`deploy.resources.limits.memory: 2g` where supported)
Start, Validate, and Observe
After first launch, verify endpoint response, container state, and log quality before enabling production traffic. Initial validation should include both happy-path and failure-path checks.
Track CPU, memory, and restart behavior for at least one workload cycle. Early observation catches unstable runtime assumptions before they become customer-facing incidents.
Rollback and Recovery Plan
Production deployment is incomplete without rollback. Keep previous compose definitions and known-good environment snapshots so failed changes can be reversed quickly.
Pair backups with restore tests. Backup-only policies create false confidence if restore paths are not regularly validated.
Operational Tips for Long-Term Stability
Document each release change and maintain a short runbook for incident response. This prevents dependency on individual memory and supports faster team execution under pressure.
Review host and container patch status regularly. OpenClaw runtime quality is sustained by maintenance discipline, not one-time setup quality alone.
Need a managed route instead of manual setup?
Use Cloudrifts managed OpenClaw infrastructure if you want deployment help, security baseline, and ongoing operational support. This reduces setup risk and shortens time-to-launch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use Docker Compose or manual container run commands?
Compose is preferred for reproducibility, clearer service definitions, and easier rollback management.
Can I deploy OpenClaw without Docker?
Possible, but Docker usually gives cleaner lifecycle control and more repeatable operations.
How do I check if deployment is healthy?
Validate endpoint response, inspect container health, and monitor logs and restart behavior under real task load.
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Competitor and market references in this content use public snapshots as of February 12, 2026 and may change over time.
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