Nodes
Nodes are iOS, Android, and macOS extensions that pair with the Gateway over a QR code. Once paired, your agent gains camera access, voice input, on-device files, and real-time context from your phone or tablet — turning it into a truly mobile-first assistant.
OpenClaw Full Course — covers node pairing, mobile setup, and real-world workflows
Description
A node is a companion app installed on an iOS, Android, or macOS device that pairs with your Gateway via a QR code. Once paired, the node extends your agent's sensory and interaction surface to that device — giving it capabilities that a pure messaging interface cannot provide.
Nodes connect over your local network (or via a secure tunnel if you're remote). The Gateway treats a paired node as a new input/output channel: the agent can pull from the node (camera frames, voice transcriptions, files) and push to it (Canvas content, notifications, TTS audio).
On macOS, the node runs as a menubar app and adds iMessage routing: your agent can send and receive iMessages without any separate channel setup. This is particularly useful for personal assistant workflows where iMessage is the primary communication tool.
Nodes are optional — OpenClaw works perfectly without one. Add a node when you want the agent to see, hear, or interact with the physical world around the paired device.
What nodes unlock
Camera
Let the agent see what your phone camera sees — useful for document scanning, real-world Q&A, and visual tasks.
Voice input
Speak to the agent hands-free. The node transcribes locally and sends text to the Gateway.
On-device files
Share photos, documents, and clipboard content from your device directly into the agent session.
Canvas output
Push rich visual responses (charts, HTML previews) from the agent to your phone screen.
iMessage (macOS)
Pair a macOS node to route iMessage conversations through the agent, no extra config needed.
Location context
Optionally share GPS location so the agent can answer location-aware questions.
CLI commands
Pair a new node (shows QR code)
openclaw node pairList paired nodes
openclaw node listCheck node status
openclaw node status <node-id>Unpair a node
openclaw node unpair <node-id>Platform notes
Install the OpenClaw app from the App Store, tap "Pair with Gateway", and scan the QR from openclaw node pair.
Same flow as iOS — install the OpenClaw app, scan the QR code. Android nodes also support NFC tap-to-pair.
The macOS node runs as a menubar app. It unlocks iMessage routing and Mac-specific context tools.