Connect to your workspace
When you first open MultiClaw, a short setup flow guides you through connecting to your workspace. You choose whether to run agents on your own machine or on a cloud desktop.
Local mode vs cloud mode
Choose the mode that fits how you work before you begin:
| Local mode | Cloud mode | |
|---|---|---|
| Where agents run | Your machine | A cloud desktop |
| Data storage | Your machine only | AWS cloud infrastructure; conversation content processed by your AI model provider — see Privacy Policy |
| Best for | Individuals, testing, privacy-first setups | Teams, continuous background automation |
| Requires internet | Only to sign in | Yes, always |
| Can switch later | Yes | Yes |
Most customers start in local mode and switch to cloud mode later when they need agents running 24/7.
Connect in local mode
- Open the MultiClaw desktop app. The welcome screen appears on first launch.
- Choose Run locally.
- Sign in with your email and password — or click Continue with Multiplai.
- MultiClaw installs and starts OpenClaw in the background. This takes about 30 seconds on first launch.
- If you have multiple workspaces, a workspace selector appears. Click the workspace you want to open.
- The status bar at the bottom shows Connected. You're ready.
The setup flow only runs once. On subsequent launches, MultiClaw connects automatically and takes you straight to your workspace.
Connect to a cloud desktop
You need a cloud desktop set up in MultiClaw Cloud before completing these steps. See What are cloud desktops? to get started.
- Open the MultiClaw desktop app and choose Use cloud desktop on the welcome screen.
- Sign in with your credentials.
- MultiClaw connects to your cloud desktop and starts the gateway remotely. This can take up to 60 seconds.
- The status bar shows Connected once the link is established.
Check your connection status
The status bar at the bottom of the desktop app always shows your current state:
| Status | What it means |
|---|---|
| Connected | Signed in and gateway running — agents can run tasks |
| Disconnected | Not signed in, or the gateway stopped — agents cannot run |
| Connecting | The app is establishing the connection — wait a moment |
If you stay disconnected after completing setup, restart the desktop app. Most first-launch issues resolve on the second start.
Related articles
What is OpenClaw?
OpenClaw is the open-source AI agent engine that powers MultiClaw — installed automatically, runs locally, and stores your data as plain files.
Sign in to MultiClaw
Sign in to MultiClaw on the desktop app using your email address and password. Your session stays active across app restarts.
Start your first conversation
Open MultiClaw, select an agent, type your message, and start working — your first conversation takes less than a minute.