# Install and get started

## Before you start

You need an admitted [tester portal](https://clawdad.earth/portal/setup) account, a supported Mac or Windows computer, and an iPhone or Android phone for the full companion workflow. The portal lists the operating-system minimum for each available computer build. For Assistant conversations, install your chosen AI tool and finish its sign-in on the computer before connecting it to ClawDad. Remote Assist can be used without an AI-provider subscription.

ClawDad beta access is free until Cody launches paid access. A purchase or subscription selection is not part of beta setup. AI-provider access remains separate.

## Download for your computer

Sign in to the tester portal using the email address on your application. Open **Setup**, then **Computer downloads**.

- **Apple silicon Mac:** choose this for a Mac with an Apple M-series chip. Check Apple menu → About This Mac.
- **Intel Mac:** choose this when About This Mac shows an Intel processor.
- **Windows PC:** choose the Windows x64 installer for a supported Intel or AMD Windows computer.

Click **Download** once. Your browser manages the transfer and shows its progress in Downloads. If a transfer is interrupted, use the browser's resume control; if its access link has expired, return to the portal and start a fresh download. Keep the portal open until your browser has started the file.

The portal's **File details** section shows the expected filename, size, and SHA-256. A browser reporting an incomplete download is a failed transfer. Do not open it; resume or download again. See [download troubleshooting](https://clawdad.earth/docs/troubleshooting#download-or-installation).

## Install and open

On Mac, open the downloaded DMG, drag **ClawDad** to **Applications**, then launch it from Applications. Eject the disk image after installation. If macOS reports a damaged app or an unverified developer, record the exact message and ask Cody through the portal before changing system security settings.

On Windows, open the downloaded installer and follow its installation steps. If Windows shows a publisher or security warning you cannot verify, capture the exact message for Cody before proceeding. Keep an existing ClawDad session open until you are ready to restart into an update.

## Connect an AI tool

The **Finish setting up ClawDad** checklist tracks **Projects folder**, **Assistant account**, **Remote Assist permissions**, **Phone beta access**, and **Pair your phone**. **Later** collapses the checklist; **Continue setup** reopens it when you are ready.

Complete [Codex or Claude sign-in and connection](https://clawdad.earth/docs/accounts). The email used for the tester portal does not sign you into either AI provider. ClawDad connects the provider account you have already authenticated on this computer.

## Choose or create a project

Choose the existing folder that contains the work you want to continue. A project folder can contain code, research, writing, or other files. In the folder setup, use **Choose Folder** for an existing location or **Create Folder** to open the native picker and create a **New Folder** at the chosen location. Check the displayed path and give ClawDad access when the operating system asks.

On supported phone builds, **New Project Directory** creates a folder on the paired computer. Check the displayed computer and parent location before choosing **Create Project**. Remote Terminal setup offers an existing folder or **New folder** when the host supports it. If a control is unavailable, create or choose the folder on the computer first.

Open a conversation in the chosen project and send a small first request, such as asking the assistant to describe the folder. Verify that the selected project and account are correct before allowing changes.

## Add your phone and check the connection

Follow [phone installation and pairing](https://clawdad.earth/docs/phone). Confirm that the phone shows the intended computer, project, and conversation. Send a short request, wait for its result, then reopen the conversation on the computer to confirm continuity.

## Keep the apps current

In the portal, expand **App updates** to create a private update code. On Mac, choose **ClawDad → Beta Update Access**. On Windows, open **Settings → Check for Updates**. Paste the code into the app; keep it private. The portal shows its expiry and lets you disconnect update access on all computers.

Computer downloads, phone store updates, and in-app functionality have separate availability. Check the version/build in each app when reporting a difference. An installed app keeps working when download or update admission changes.

## Save the guide

Use **Open Setup Guide** or **Save Guide Locally** when your build includes those controls. You can also [download the complete README](https://clawdad.earth/docs/setup/README.md). Save a fresh copy alongside your existing notes instead of replacing them.