From 1dd857f6a6a43b0f47999ec0b8d9021e1c009909 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Vincent Koc <vincentkoc@ieee.org>
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:28:44 -0700
Subject: [PATCH] docs: add API key prereq, first-message step, fix landing
 page quick start

---
 docs/index.md                 | 12 +++++++----
 docs/start/getting-started.md | 39 +++++++++++++----------------------
 2 files changed, 22 insertions(+), 29 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/index.md b/docs/index.md
index 25162bc9676..270f0835287 100644
--- a/docs/index.md
+++ b/docs/index.md
@@ -106,15 +106,19 @@ The Gateway is the single source of truth for sessions, routing, and channel con
     openclaw onboard --install-daemon
     ```
   </Step>
-  <Step title="Pair WhatsApp and start the Gateway">
+  <Step title="Chat">
+    Open the Control UI in your browser and send a message:
+
     ```bash
-    openclaw channels login
-    openclaw gateway --port 18789
+    openclaw dashboard
     ```
+
+    Or connect a channel ([Telegram](/channels/telegram) is fastest) and chat from your phone.
+
   </Step>
 </Steps>
 
-Need the full install and dev setup? See [Quick start](/start/quickstart).
+Need the full install and dev setup? See [Getting Started](/start/getting-started).
 
 ## Dashboard
 
diff --git a/docs/start/getting-started.md b/docs/start/getting-started.md
index bd3f554cdc4..fa719093739 100644
--- a/docs/start/getting-started.md
+++ b/docs/start/getting-started.md
@@ -20,9 +20,11 @@ Docs: [Dashboard](/web/dashboard) and [Control UI](/web/control-ui).
 ## Prereqs
 
 - Node 24 recommended (Node 22 LTS, currently `22.16+`, still supported for compatibility)
+- An API key from a model provider (Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, etc.) — onboarding will prompt you for this
 
 <Tip>
 Check your Node version with `node --version` if you are unsure.
+Windows users: WSL2 is strongly recommended. See [Windows](/platforms/windows).
 </Tip>
 
 ## Quick setup (CLI)
@@ -73,34 +75,21 @@ Check your Node version with `node --version` if you are unsure.
     ```bash
     openclaw dashboard
     ```
+
+    If the Control UI loads, your Gateway is ready.
+
+  </Step>
+  <Step title="Send your first message">
+    The fastest way to chat is directly in the Control UI browser tab.
+    Type a message and you should get an AI reply.
+
+    Want to chat from a messaging app instead? The fastest channel setup
+    is usually [Telegram](/channels/telegram) (just a bot token, no QR
+    pairing). See [Channels](/channels) for all options.
+
   </Step>
 </Steps>
 
-<Check>
-If the Control UI loads, your Gateway is ready for use.
-</Check>
-
-## Optional checks and extras
-
-<AccordionGroup>
-  <Accordion title="Run the Gateway in the foreground">
-    Useful for quick tests or troubleshooting.
-
-    ```bash
-    openclaw gateway --port 18789
-    ```
-
-  </Accordion>
-  <Accordion title="Send a test message">
-    Requires a configured channel.
-
-    ```bash
-    openclaw message send --target +15555550123 --message "Hello from OpenClaw"
-    ```
-
-  </Accordion>
-</AccordionGroup>
-
 ## Useful environment variables
 
 If you run OpenClaw as a service account or want custom config/state locations: