Mac Mini OpenClaw Setup

February 8, 2026

Today we successfully deployed OpenClaw on a Mac Mini M4 Max for our team member Geverson, creating a powerful yet compact AI assistant setup. Here's how we transformed a tiny Mac Mini into a full-featured AI workstation.

The completed setup: Mac Mini with OpenClaw running smoothly alongside our workspace companions

Our Setup Process

Software Installation

# Install Homebrew (if not already installed)
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

# Install Node.js (required for OpenClaw)
brew install node

# Install OpenClaw
npm install -g openclaw

OpenClaw Configuration

The beauty of OpenClaw lies in its adaptability. We configured:

Tailscale networking for secure remote access
Custom skills tailored to our workflow
Voice integration for hands-free interaction

Note: We're currently using cloud-based AI models and plan to wait for more practical local models that run efficiently on the M4 Max before implementing local AI inference.

Networking & Remote Access Setup

We configured multiple remote access methods for maximum flexibility:

Tailscale VPN

Using Tailscale, we established secure connections between team members:

Zero-configuration VPN - No complex networking setup required
End-to-end encryption - All communications secured
Cross-platform support - Works seamlessly with other Macs, PCs, and mobile devices
SSH access - Remote administration capabilities

AnyDesk Remote Desktop

For visual remote access and troubleshooting:

Full desktop control - Complete visual access to the Mac Mini
Cross-platform compatibility - Works from any device with AnyDesk client
Low latency - Responsive remote desktop experience
Easy setup - Simple 9-digit ID for quick connections

Key Benefits We've Discovered

Performance

The M4 Max chip handles OpenClaw workloads exceptionally well. With 64GB of unified memory, the architecture provides outstanding performance for AI-assisted tasks.

Integration

OpenClaw's modular design allowed us to:

Connect to existing productivity tools
Integrate with our development workflow
Customize responses for our specific use cases
Scale capabilities as needed

Collaboration

With Tailscale networking, team members can:

Securely access the OpenClaw instance remotely
Share AI capabilities across the team
Maintain consistent configurations
Collaborate on AI-assisted projects

Real-World Usage

Since deployment, we've used this setup for:

Code assistance - AI-powered development help
Documentation - Automated writing and editing
Research - Information gathering and analysis
Task automation - Streamlining repetitive workflows

Tips for Your Own Setup

Start simple - Get basic OpenClaw running before adding complexity
Network security - Use Tailscale or similar for secure remote access
Storage planning - Plan accordingly for your specific use case
Backup strategy - Save your OpenClaw configurations and customizations
Team coordination - Establish clear usage guidelines for shared instances

Conclusion

The Mac Mini proves to be an excellent platform for OpenClaw deployment. Its combination of performance, efficiency, and compact design makes it ideal for both personal and team AI assistant setups. The total cost of ownership is reasonable, and the setup process is straightforward enough for most technical users.

Whether you're a developer looking to enhance your workflow or a team wanting to explore AI collaboration, the Mac Mini + OpenClaw combination offers a compelling entry point into practical AI assistance.

For more technical guides and AI insights, follow our blog at AL-ENGR.com

Details:

Mac Mini M4 Max (64GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
Tailscale for networking
OpenClaw 2026.2.6-3

Total Setup Time: ~4 hours including software installation and configuration