Claude shipped Remote Control last week. Control your entire Claude desktop session from your phone.
Here's the full setup, use cases, and when to use Claude Code vs OpenClaw.
HOW TO SET UP CLAUDE REMOTE CONTROL
Step 1: Open Claude Desktop (Mac or Windows)
Step 2: In any conversation, type:
/remote-control
Step 3: Claude generates a QR code
Step 4: Open your phone camera, scan the QR code
Step 5: Done. Your phone is now connected to your desktop session.
What you can do:
• Send messages from your phone → Claude executes on desktop
• Access all your agents, skills, workflows
• Trigger automations remotely
• Update projects from anywhere
WHEN TO USE CLAUDE CODE
Best for:
• Coding projects - Building apps, debugging, code reviews
• Session-based work - Tasks with clear start/end
• Individual productivity - Personal automation, content creation
• Cost-effective - $20/month, no infrastructure
Example use cases:
• Building a website with Bolt.new + Claude
• Debugging production code from your phone
• Generating content on the train
• Quick automation scripts
WHEN TO USE OPENCLAW (CLAWBOT)
Best for:
• Always-on message handling - Real-time WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord
• Multi-channel automation - Sending messages across platforms
• 24/7 business operations - Outreach pipelines, lead enrichment
• Pre-built integrations - LinkedIn, CRM, scheduling tools
Example use cases:
• Incoming lead messages routed and responded to 24/7
• LinkedIn outreach campaigns with rate limiting
• Multi-platform customer support automation
• Business workflows that run independently
THE KEY DIFFERENCE
Claude Code: Session-based. When you close it, it stops. Great for active work.
OpenClaw: Always listening. Real-time message handling. Great for business automation.
Both use Anthropic's Claude models. Pick based on your workflow, not the underlying AI.
DECISION FRAMEWORK
Ask yourself:
Do you need real-time incoming message handling?
• Yes → OpenClaw
• No → Claude Code
Do you need automation to run 24/7 independently?
• Yes → OpenClaw
• No → Claude Code
Are you primarily coding/creating?
• Yes → Claude Code
• No → Depends on above
Budget constraint?
• Tight budget → Claude Code - $20/month (£200 if you REALLY want to get the most out of it)
• Need infrastructure → OpenClaw (server costs)
MY SETUP
I use both:
• Claude Code for building features, debugging, content creation
• Clawdbot (OpenClaw) for 24/7 message handling, LinkedIn automation, outreach pipelines
Different tools, different jobs.
Tomorrow: Lead scoring automation with AI operators.
Mike Oddoye
P.S. The Claude remote control command is /remote-control - try it now if you have Claude Desktop installed.