#how to update docker image

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ivory leaf
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i am running openclaw as a template from hostinger, i wanna update the docker image while keeping the data, please help me do it, i dont have much experience with docker

timid templeBOT
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manic umbraBOT
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If your OpenClaw is running in Docker, updating the image is usually safe as long as your data is on a volume / bind mount (so it lives on the host, not inside the container).

1) First: confirm where the data is stored (this is the “keep my data” part)

In your docker-compose.yml (or the template Hostinger generated), look for mounts like:

  • /home/node/.openclaw (config, auth, tokens, sessions, etc.)
  • /home/node/.openclaw/workspace (agent workspace)

These should be mapped to either:

  • a host folder (bind mount), or
  • a named Docker volume

If they’re not mounted, then updating/recreating the container can wipe state.

If you paste your docker-compose.yml here (please redact any tokens/keys), I can tell you if it’s set up correctly.

2) The actual update (Docker Compose)

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SSH into the server, go to the folder that has docker-compose.yml, then:

docker compose pull
docker compose up -d
docker compose logs -f openclaw-gateway

That:

  • downloads the new image
  • recreates the container(s)
  • keeps volumes
  • starts the new version

Important: do not run docker compose down -v (the -v deletes volumes).

3) If your template builds locally from a git checkout (less common on “templates”)

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Then updates are:

git pull
docker compose build
docker compose up -d

4) Quick safety backup (recommended)

Before updating, back up whatever host folder/volume you’re using for .openclaw.

If you’re using bind mounts to a folder like ./openclaw-config:

tar -czf openclaw-backup.tar.gz ./openclaw-config ./openclaw-workspace