---
summary: "Run OpenClaw in a sandboxed macOS VM (local or hosted) when you need isolation or iMessage"
read_when:
  - You want OpenClaw isolated from your main macOS environment
  - You want iMessage integration in a sandbox
  - You want a resettable macOS environment you can clone
  - You want to compare local vs hosted macOS VM options
title: "macOS VMs"
---

## Recommended default (most users)

- **Small Linux VPS** for an always-on Gateway and low cost. See [VPS hosting](/vps).
- **Dedicated hardware** (Mac mini or Linux box) if you want full control and a **residential IP** for browser automation. Many sites block data center IPs, so local browsing often works better.
- **Hybrid**: keep the Gateway on a cheap VPS, and connect your Mac as a **node** when you need browser/UI automation. See [Nodes](/nodes) and [Gateway remote](/gateway/remote).

Use a macOS VM only when you specifically need macOS-only capabilities such as iMessage, or want strict isolation from your daily Mac.

## macOS VM options

### Local VM on your Apple Silicon Mac (Lume)

Run OpenClaw in a sandboxed macOS VM on your existing Apple Silicon Mac using [Lume](https://cua.ai/docs/lume). This gives you:

- Full macOS environment in isolation (your host stays clean)
- iMessage support via `imsg`; the default local path is impossible on Linux/Windows
- Instant reset by cloning VMs
- No extra hardware or cloud costs

### Hosted Mac providers (cloud)

If you want macOS in the cloud, hosted Mac providers work too:

- [MacStadium](https://www.macstadium.com/) (hosted Macs)
- Other hosted Mac vendors also work; follow their VM + SSH docs

Once you have SSH access to a macOS VM, continue at [Install OpenClaw](#6-install-openclaw) below.

## Quick path (Lume, experienced users)

1. Install Lume.
2. `lume create openclaw --os macos --ipsw latest`
3. Complete Setup Assistant, enable Remote Login (SSH).
4. `lume run openclaw --no-display`
5. SSH in, install OpenClaw, configure channels.
6. Done.

## What you need (Lume)

- Apple Silicon Mac (M1/M2/M3/M4)
- macOS Sequoia or later on the host
- ~60 GB free disk space per VM
- ~20 minutes

## 1) Install Lume

```bash
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/trycua/cua/main/libs/lume/scripts/install.sh)"
```

If `~/.local/bin` is not in your PATH:

```bash
echo 'export PATH="$PATH:$HOME/.local/bin"' >> ~/.zshrc && source ~/.zshrc
```

Verify:

```bash
lume --version
```

Docs: [Lume Installation](https://cua.ai/docs/lume/guide/getting-started/installation)

## 2) Create the macOS VM

```bash
lume create openclaw --os macos --ipsw latest
```

This downloads macOS and creates the VM. A VNC window opens automatically.

<Note>
The download can take a while depending on your connection.
</Note>

## 3) Complete Setup Assistant

In the VNC window:

1. Select language and region.
2. Skip Apple ID (or sign in if you want iMessage later).
3. Create a user account (remember the username and password).
4. Skip all optional features.

After setup completes:

1. Enable SSH: System Settings -> General -> Sharing, enable "Remote Login".
2. For headless VM use, enable auto-login: System Settings -> Users & Groups, select "Automatically log in as:", and choose the VM user.

## 4) Get the VM IP address

```bash
lume get openclaw
```

Look for the IP address (usually `192.168.64.x`).

## 5) SSH into the VM

```bash
ssh youruser@192.168.64.X
```

Replace `youruser` with the account you created, and the IP with your VM's IP.

## 6) Install OpenClaw

Inside the VM:

```bash
npm install -g openclaw@latest
openclaw onboard --install-daemon
```

Follow the onboarding prompts to set up your model provider (Anthropic, OpenAI, etc.).

## 7) Configure channels

Edit the config file:

```bash
nano ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json
```

Add your channels:

```json5
{
  channels: {
    telegram: {
      botToken: "YOUR_BOT_TOKEN",
    },
    whatsapp: {
      dmPolicy: "allowlist",
      allowFrom: ["+15551234567"],
    },
  },
}
```

Then log in to WhatsApp (scan QR):

```bash
openclaw channels login
```

## 8) Run the VM headlessly

Stop the VM and restart without display:

```bash
lume stop openclaw
lume run openclaw --no-display
```

The VM runs in the background; OpenClaw's daemon keeps the gateway running. To check status:

```bash
ssh youruser@192.168.64.X "openclaw status"
```

## Bonus: iMessage integration

This is the killer feature of running on macOS. Use [iMessage](/channels/imessage) with `imsg` to add Messages to OpenClaw.

Inside the VM:

1. Sign in to Messages.
2. Install `imsg`.
3. Grant Full Disk Access and Automation permission for the process running OpenClaw/`imsg`.
4. Verify RPC support with `imsg rpc --help`.

Add to your OpenClaw config:

```json5
{
  channels: {
    imessage: {
      enabled: true,
      cliPath: "imsg",
      dbPath: "~/Library/Messages/chat.db",
    },
  },
}
```

Restart the gateway. Your agent can now send and receive iMessages. Full setup details: [iMessage channel](/channels/imessage).

## Save a golden image

Before customizing further, snapshot your clean state:

```bash
lume stop openclaw
lume clone openclaw openclaw-golden
```

Reset anytime:

```bash
lume stop openclaw && lume delete openclaw
lume clone openclaw-golden openclaw
lume run openclaw --no-display
```

## Running 24/7

Keep the VM running by:

- Keeping your Mac plugged in
- Disabling sleep in System Settings -> Energy Saver
- Using `caffeinate` if needed

For true always-on, consider a dedicated Mac mini or a small VPS. See [VPS hosting](/vps).

## Troubleshooting

| Problem                  | Solution                                                                            |
| ------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Cannot SSH into VM       | Check "Remote Login" is enabled in the VM's System Settings                         |
| VM IP not showing        | Wait for VM to fully boot, run `lume get openclaw` again                            |
| Lume command not found   | Add `~/.local/bin` to your PATH                                                     |
| WhatsApp QR not scanning | Ensure you are logged into the VM (not host) when running `openclaw channels login` |

## Related docs

- [VPS hosting](/vps)
- [Nodes](/nodes)
- [Gateway remote](/gateway/remote)
- [iMessage channel](/channels/imessage)
- [Lume Quickstart](https://cua.ai/docs/lume/guide/getting-started/quickstart)
- [Lume CLI Reference](https://cua.ai/docs/lume/reference/cli-reference)
- [Unattended VM Setup](https://cua.ai/docs/lume/guide/fundamentals/unattended-setup) (advanced)
- [Docker Sandboxing](/install/docker) (alternative isolation approach)
