How to make OpenClaw open a webpage

OpenClaw is an open-source personal AI agent framework (github.com/openclaw/openclaw) that can control a browser to open and interact with webpages. There are a few common ways to make OpenClaw open a webpage, depending on your setup.

1. Via the CLI (most direct & reliable method)

OpenClaw ships with a built-in managed Chromium-based browser (isolated profile). Use the browser command.

First make sure the browser server/profile is ready:

# Start the managed browser (use the default 'openclaw' profile)
openclaw browser --browser-profile openclaw start

Then open a webpage:

# Open a specific URL in a new tab
openclaw browser open https://example.com

# Or with more options
openclaw browser open https://google.com --new-tab

You can also combine it in sequences or let the AI agent decide when to use it.

2. Let the AI Agent do it automatically (most common real usage)

Tell your OpenClaw agent (via chat in Telegram/Discord/Slack/web UI/etc.) something like:

"Open https://news.ycombinator.com and tell me the top 3 stories"
"Go to https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw and summarize the readme"
"Navigate to example.com, take a screenshot, and describe the page"

Prerequisite: The browser tool must be enabled and working.

Quick checks/fixes:

Run openclaw doctor to look for browser-related warnings
Make sure the managed profile is selected (not your personal Chrome)
If using the Chrome extension relay instead: install the OpenClaw extension + connect it via token (Claw Launcher helps with this)

3. Using Claw Launcher (easier for desktop users)

Many people now use Claw Launcher (a companion app/extension) to manage browser control without terminal commands.

Install Claw Launcher (usually via the OpenClaw docs or community links)
Connect your OpenClaw instance
The launcher can expose browser control and let the agent open/navigate pages more seamlessly

Quick Troubleshooting

Problem	Likely Fix / Check
Browser won't start	`openclaw browser start` or check `openclaw status`
"No browser profile" error	Use `--browser-profile openclaw` or set it in config
Agent ignores webpage requests	Enable browser tool in agent config + give clear URL
Want to see what it's doing	Use web UI (`openclaw dashboard`) or ask for screenshots
Using personal Chrome instead	Switch to managed profile (safer & more reliable)

Resources

For the latest commands/flags, check the official docs:

The managed browser + CDP control is generally the most stable way in 2026. If you're just starting, try the CLI method first — it's straightforward once the gateway is running.