fix(paths): respect OPENCLAW_HOME for all internal path resolution (#12091)

* fix(paths): respect OPENCLAW_HOME for all internal path resolution (#11995)

Add home-dir module (src/infra/home-dir.ts) that centralizes home
directory resolution with precedence: OPENCLAW_HOME > HOME > USERPROFILE > os.homedir().

Migrate all path-sensitive callsites: config IO, agent dirs, session
transcripts, pairing store, cron store, doctor, CLI profiles.

Add envHomedir() helper in config/paths.ts to reduce lambda noise.
Document OPENCLAW_HOME in docs/help/environment.md.

* fix(paths): handle OPENCLAW_HOME '~' fallback (#12091) (thanks @sebslight)

* docs: mention OPENCLAW_HOME in install and getting started (#12091) (thanks @sebslight)

* fix(status): show OPENCLAW_HOME in shortened paths (#12091) (thanks @sebslight)

* docs(changelog): clarify OPENCLAW_HOME and HOME precedence (#12091) (thanks @sebslight)

docs/help/environment.md

@@ -74,6 +74,32 @@ You can reference env vars directly in config string values using `${VAR_NAME}`
 
 See [Configuration: Env var substitution](/gateway/configuration#env-var-substitution-in-config) for full details.
 
+## Path-related env vars
+
+| Variable               | Purpose                                                                                                                                                                          |
+| ---------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
+| `OPENCLAW_HOME`        | Override the home directory used for all internal path resolution (`~/.openclaw/`, agent dirs, sessions, credentials). Useful when running OpenClaw as a dedicated service user. |
+| `OPENCLAW_STATE_DIR`   | Override the state directory (default `~/.openclaw`).                                                                                                                            |
+| `OPENCLAW_CONFIG_PATH` | Override the config file path (default `~/.openclaw/openclaw.json`).                                                                                                             |
+
+### `OPENCLAW_HOME`
+
+When set, `OPENCLAW_HOME` replaces the system home directory (`$HOME` / `os.homedir()`) for all internal path resolution. This enables full filesystem isolation for headless service accounts.
+
+**Precedence:** `OPENCLAW_HOME` > `$HOME` > `USERPROFILE` > `os.homedir()`
+
+**Example** (macOS LaunchDaemon):
+
+```xml
+<key>EnvironmentVariables</key>
+<dict>
+  <key>OPENCLAW_HOME</key>
+  <string>/Users/kira</string>
+</dict>
+```
+
+`OPENCLAW_HOME` can also be set to a tilde path (e.g. `~/svc`), which gets expanded using `$HOME` before use.
+
 ## Related
 
 - [Gateway configuration](/gateway/configuration)

docs/install/index.md

@@ -163,6 +163,14 @@ openclaw status         # gateway status
 openclaw dashboard      # open the browser UI
 ```
 
+If you need custom runtime paths, use:
+
+- `OPENCLAW_HOME` for home-directory based internal paths
+- `OPENCLAW_STATE_DIR` for mutable state location
+- `OPENCLAW_CONFIG_PATH` for config file location
+
+See [Environment vars](/help/environment) for precedence and full details.
+
 ## Troubleshooting: `openclaw` not found
 
 <Accordion title="PATH diagnosis and fix">

docs/install/nix.md

@@ -64,7 +64,9 @@ defaults write bot.molt.mac openclaw.nixMode -bool true
 ### Config + state paths
 
 OpenClaw reads JSON5 config from `OPENCLAW_CONFIG_PATH` and stores mutable data in `OPENCLAW_STATE_DIR`.
+When needed, you can also set `OPENCLAW_HOME` to control the base home directory used for internal path resolution.
 
+- `OPENCLAW_HOME` (default precedence: `HOME` / `USERPROFILE` / `os.homedir()`)
 - `OPENCLAW_STATE_DIR` (default: `~/.openclaw`)
 - `OPENCLAW_CONFIG_PATH` (default: `$OPENCLAW_STATE_DIR/openclaw.json`)
 

docs/start/getting-started.md

@@ -96,6 +96,16 @@ If the Control UI loads, your Gateway is ready for use.
   </Accordion>
 </AccordionGroup>
 
+## Useful environment variables
+
+If you run OpenClaw as a service account or want custom config/state locations:
+
+- `OPENCLAW_HOME` sets the home directory used for internal path resolution.
+- `OPENCLAW_STATE_DIR` overrides the state directory.
+- `OPENCLAW_CONFIG_PATH` overrides the config file path.
+
+Full environment variable reference: [Environment vars](/help/environment).
+
 ## Go deeper
 
 <Columns>