What is Ollama Cloud?

Ollama Cloud is Ollama's official cloud service for running AI models via API without local infrastructure. It supports third-party agentic tools like OpenClaw without the restrictions Anthropic imposed.

How do you configure OpenClaw with Ollama Cloud?

You set Ollama Cloud's API endpoint as the base URL in OpenClaw, select the model you want, and enter the API key. Ollama Cloud is compatible with the standard OpenAI-style interface OpenClaw uses.

Which models does Ollama Cloud support for agentic tools?

Ollama Cloud supports the entire Ollama catalog: Llama 3, Mistral, Gemma, Phi, and many others. For complex agentic tools, a model with at least 7 billion parameters is recommended.

Ollama OpenClaw Cloud: Setup, Models, and Pricing (2026)

Q: Is Ollama Cloud free?

Ollama Cloud has a free base plan with usage limits and paid plans for heavy use. Costs vary based on the model and token volume. Updated details are available on ollama.com.

Ollama Supports OpenClaw: The Cloud Built for Agentic Tools

One day after Anthropic cut OpenClaw from Claude subscriptions, Ollama announces official cloud support for third-party tools.

The message is direct. Ollama Cloud is designed for the usage patterns of agentic tools. No bans. No surprise fees. No end of support for unofficial integrations.

Why Ollama Is Moving Now

Anthropic excluded OpenClaw and third-party tools from Claude subscriptions on April 4, 2026. Anyone with automated workflows was left with two options: pay extra or switch providers.

Ollama positions itself as a direct alternative. Its cloud infrastructure is sized for the uses standard subscriptions exclude: agent loops, batch processing, continuous integrations via Telegram, WhatsApp, and iMessage.

Anyone building agentic pipelines can't afford to discover halfway through a project that the provider changed the rules.

This is Ollama's proposition: infrastructure that doesn't change the terms while you're working.

How to Configure OpenClaw on Ollama Cloud

The setup is straightforward. It takes three minutes.

Launching OpenClaw

Open the terminal and type:

ollama launch openclaw

Ollama downloads and launches OpenClaw configured for the cloud. Web search is on by default.

Connecting Messaging Apps

To connect WhatsApp, Telegram, iMessage, or other channels:

openclaw onboard

The guided wizard walks you through every available integration. You can configure multiple channels in the same pass.

The Models Available on Ollama Cloud

Model	Recommended use
kimi-k2.5:cloud	Advanced reasoning, complex tasks
glm-5:cloud	Good general quality, low cost
minimax-m2.7:cloud	Fast, ideal for inbox and repetitive tasks
gemma4:31b-cloud	Open source, maximum transparency, Apache 2.0

gemma4:31b-cloud is the cloud version of the model Google released on April 1 under an Apache 2.0 license. We wrote about it here: Gemma 4: Google's open-source AI models.

What OpenClaw Actually Does

OpenClaw is a personal assistant that operates through chat apps already installed on your phone. It doesn't require a dedicated app.

It works to clear out your inbox, send and reply to messages, manage your calendar, and complete tasks on other services via API. The model receives the message, carries out the action, and replies in the same chat.

On Ollama Cloud, the infrastructure is designed for these patterns of continuous use — not for the short, predictable sessions consumer subscriptions expect.

Ollama Cloud vs Claude: The Substantial Difference

Claude Code Channels — announced by Anthropic on the same day as the block — offers similar functionality but within Anthropic's own ecosystem. Separate subscription, Anthropic's rules, no integration with unapproved third-party apps.

Ollama goes the opposite direction. Open infrastructure, multiple models, no lock-in to a provider or app. Anyone who wants to switch models can do so without reconfiguring anything.

The choice comes down to one question: how much autonomy do you need over your own AI stack?

FAQ on Ollama Cloud and OpenClaw

How do you install OpenClaw on Ollama?

From the terminal: ollama launch openclaw. The command downloads and launches OpenClaw configured for Ollama Cloud with web search enabled. To add messaging app integrations, run openclaw onboard right after.

Does Ollama Cloud block third-party tools the way Anthropic did?

No. Ollama Cloud is explicitly designed for the usage patterns of agentic tools and third-party integrations. No surprise fees, no bans for using it with OpenClaw or other tools.

Which models can I use with OpenClaw on Ollama?

The available cloud models are: kimi-k2.5:cloud, glm-5:cloud, minimax-m2.7:cloud, and gemma4:31b-cloud. You can switch models without changing OpenClaw's configuration.

Is Ollama Cloud free?

Ollama has paid cloud plans. Pricing is at ollama.com/pricing. Unlike Claude subscriptions, Ollama's plans explicitly cover use with third-party tools and agentic workflows.

Can I use OpenClaw without Ollama Cloud too?

Yes. OpenClaw supports Claude via API key or extra usage, OpenAI, and other providers. Anyone who wants zero vendor dependency can run Ollama locally with models like Gemma 4 — zero variable costs, zero lock-in.

Anyone who's left the Claude subscription now has a concrete path forward. Ollama Cloud doesn't require reconfiguring OpenClaw: it works just like before, on infrastructure built for this type of use.

For those evaluating full self-hosting instead, the guide on Gemma 4 and Google's open-source models is the right starting point.