Installation & Activation

ClawRouter requires a one-time activation after installation. This guide covers the full process from first launch to a fully functional dashboard.

Version 1.0.18

System Requirements

ClawRouter runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. The CLI auto-detects the best service manager for your platform:

PlatformService Backend
Linuxsystemd (systemctl --user)
macOSlaunchd (~/Library/LaunchAgents)
Windowsnode-windows (Windows Service)

If the native service manager isn't available, ClawRouter falls back to a built-in process manager.

Installing ClawRouter

ClawRouter is premium software. After your payment is confirmed, you will receive the installation command and setup instructions automatically.

Install as a system service (recommended):

bash
clawrouter install

This installs ClawRouter as a background system service, starts it, and opens the dashboard in your default browser.

Or start manually:

bash
clawrouter start

Activation Process

Step 1: Get Your Installation ID

  1. Open your browser and go to http://localhost:3030.
  2. Sign in with the dashboard password. On first run the password is changeme -- change it from Settings > Dashboard Security once you are in.
  3. You will see the Awaiting Activation screen.
  4. Your unique Installation ID is displayed on screen.
  5. Click Copy to copy the Installation ID to your clipboard.

Step 2: Request Activation

Send the Installation ID to the developer:

Step 3: Confirm Activation

  1. Wait for the developer to confirm your activation.
  2. Once confirmed, click Check Activation on the Awaiting Activation screen.
  3. The dashboard loads and you can begin adding providers.

Update Check

ClawRouter checks for updates automatically during its periodic license check.

If a newer version is available:

  1. An Update Available badge appears in the sidebar.
  2. Click the badge to open the Update Modal.
  3. The modal shows:
    • Current version > Latest version
    • Changelog (if provided)
    • Install/update commands for your platform
  4. Run the provided command in your terminal to update.

Activation Troubleshooting

"not_activated" (HTTP 403) on proxy requests

Your ClawRouter installation has not been activated yet. Open the dashboard, copy your Installation ID, send it to the developer, and click Check Activation once confirmed.

Was activated but now shows "Awaiting Activation"

Possible causes:

  • You moved ClawRouter to a different machine (the Installation ID is machine-specific).
  • Local data was reset.

Solution: Contact the developer. If on a new machine, send the new Installation ID.

"Check Activation" button doesn't work

The activation server may be unreachable. Check your internet connection. If you're behind a firewall, ensure outbound HTTPS requests are allowed.

Data Storage & Privacy

Everything is stored locally on your machine. Providers, keys, logs, and configurations are kept in a local SQLite database in the installation directory.

The only external requests ClawRouter makes are:

  1. To the AI providers you configure -- forwarding your API requests.
  2. Periodic license check -- a lightweight check for activation status and available updates.