Connect an Existing Ubuntu Server
Use the SSH setup path to attach an Ubuntu server you already manage to RunClaw.
Use this path if you already have an Ubuntu 22.04+ server and want RunClaw to manage the agent on that machine instead of provisioning a new cloud VPS.
RunClaw supports three setup paths -- this is the one for infrastructure you already run:
- Provision on Hetzner -- create a new cloud VPS in your Hetzner account
- Provision on Vultr -- create a new cloud VPS in your Vultr account
- Connect existing Ubuntu server over SSH -- attach a server you already manage
All three paths give you the same RunClaw control plane. Compare the paths.
What you need
- An Ubuntu 22.04+ server you already control
- Root access or a user with the ability to run the setup command
- Outbound internet access so the server can reach RunClaw services
Step 1: Create your RunClaw account
Go to runclaw.run and create your account.
After signing up, add your existing server from the dashboard's Add Server flow. The SSH path is available alongside the cloud provisioning options.
Step 2: Choose the SSH path
From your dashboard:
- Click Add Server
- Choose Connect existing server
- Pick the agent you want to run
- Add the AI provider keys that agent needs
Step 3: Generate the setup command
RunClaw generates a one-line setup command with a temporary token.
- The token expires after 15 minutes
- If it expires, generate a fresh command from the same screen
- The page waits for your server to connect automatically
Step 4: Run the command on your server
Run the command on your Ubuntu server as root.
The setup command installs the pieces RunClaw needs to connect the server back to the control plane and finish agent setup.
Step 5: Wait for the connection
After the command finishes:
- your server connects back to RunClaw
- the dashboard updates automatically
- your agent appears in the same control plane as the cloud-provisioned paths
What this path gives you
- The same RunClaw dashboard, monitoring, and update flow
- The same agent choices: OpenClaw, Agent Zero, or Goose
- Your existing infrastructure stays under your control
- No need to create a new Hetzner or Vultr server
When to use this path
Choose the SSH path if you already have Ubuntu infrastructure, custom networking, or your own preferred hosting setup. If you would rather start from scratch with a new cloud server, see Choose Your Setup Path to compare all three options.
Need direct shell access later? See SSH & Server Access.