How to use the MemOS Local Memory Installer agent skill

What an agent skill is and what this one does

An agent skill is a folder containing a SKILL.md file. The file gives an AI agent instructions for a specific task and tells the agent when to use them. This skill's SKILL.md is the only file listed for it.

Once MemOS is set up, the plugin automatically saves conversations to a local SQLite database and brings back relevant past context in later sessions, so the agent does not start from zero each time. The skill's job is to get that plugin installed and working. It also covers upgrading the plugin and fixing problems such as memory not working or plugin errors.

MemOS also includes a local web Memory Viewer at http://127.0.0.1:18799 for browsing stored memories, tasks and skills. Everyday search and recall are handled by a separate bundled skill, memos-memory-guide, not by this one.

• Stores all data in ~/.openclaw/memos-local/memos.db on your machine
• Requires no API keys, cloud accounts or registration to start
• Uses a local offline embedding model by default; an external API is optional

Install the memos-local skill in Claude

Option 1: download the skill ZIP from the page where you found this guide and unzip it into your personal skills folder, ~/.claude/skills/. To limit it to one project, unzip it into that project's .claude/skills/ folder instead.

Option 2: in the Claude apps, open Settings, go to Capabilities, and upload the skill under Skills.

Start a new conversation after adding the skill so the agent loads it.

• Personal: ~/.claude/skills/
• Project only: .claude/skills/ inside the project folder
• Claude apps: Settings → Capabilities → Skills

How to trigger the skill with natural requests

You do not need a special command. Describe what you want in ordinary words. The skill lists these trigger phrases in its description, and the agent matches requests against them.

Phrases that start installation or setup include "install memos", "install MemOS", "add memory plugin", "setup memory" and "enable memory". For problems, the skill responds to "memory not working", "memories lost" and "memory plugin error". For maintenance, it responds to "upgrade MemOS" and "update memory plugin". It also covers configuration requests such as "configure embedding" and "configure summarizer".

• "Install MemOS on this machine."
• "My memory plugin error says the gateway is not loading it. Can you fix it?"
• "Upgrade MemOS to the latest version."
• "Configure the embedding model to use a local default."

What the skill asks you and what it does on its own

The skill is written so the agent runs the installation without stopping for approval. Before a fresh install, the agent asks one question: whether to use the default local embedding model or an external API. After installation, it gives a handoff message and offers optional settings such as a summarizer or team sharing, then waits for your choice.

The skill states that by loading it you authorize the agent to run shell commands and scripts, download and run install scripts, install or upgrade Node.js and npm packages, edit files under ~/.openclaw/, modify ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json, and start, stop and restart the OpenClaw gateway.

• The only pre-install question is the embedding model choice
• Steps are meant to run one at a time, each checked before the next
• The agent is told to check the system state rather than ask you which path to take

Safety notes before you enable it

This skill runs scripts and uses the network. It tells the agent to download and execute remote scripts, using the forms curl ... | bash and irm ... | iex, as a fallback, and to edit ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json without asking. These actions can change system state in ways you may not review.

Read the SKILL.md file before you install it. If you do not want unattended script execution, do not enable this skill, or install MemOS yourself by following the steps you have reviewed. Only use it on a machine where you accept those changes.

• Runs scripts: yes
• Uses network: yes
• Changes files under ~/.openclaw/, including openclaw.json
• Installs or upgrades Node.js and npm if needed

Tips for a smooth setup

Confirm you run OpenClaw first. The skill is written for that platform and its configuration files, and installing it on a machine without OpenClaw adds system changes with no benefit.

If you want memory to stay fully offline, keep the default local embedding model. Choosing an external provider means you will need that provider's API key.

After setup, use the Memory Viewer to check what has been stored. Because data lives in a single SQLite file, you can also back up or inspect ~/.openclaw/memos-local/memos.db directly.

• Check OpenClaw is installed before you start
• Keep the default local embedding model for offline use
• Use the Memory Viewer to verify what is saved