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OpenClaw FAQ: From 'What Is This' to Advanced Configuration
Everything you've asked, searched for, and worried about regarding OpenClaw — answered here.
1. Basic Concepts
Q1: What is OpenClaw? An open-source AI agent system. Its logo is a red lobster, hence the community nickname.
Q2: What can it do? Manage multiple LLMs, connect to messaging platforms, automate workflows, run multiple AI agents simultaneously.
Q3: How is it different from ChatGPT? ChatGPT is an LLM product (locked to one model). OpenClaw is an agent system (works with any model). Complementary, not competitive.
Q4: Is it free? OpenClaw itself is free and open-source. LLM usage requires API keys (free tiers available).
Q5: What hardware is required? Minimum: an always-on computer with 2GB+ RAM and Node.js ≥ 22.12.0.
Q6: Where do I use it? Inside Discord, Slack, Telegram, or other messaging platforms — no separate app needed.
Q7: How many models can I use at once? Practically unlimited. Every API key you configure becomes available.
Q8: Does it support languages other than English? Yes. Full multilingual support. You can use any language OpenClaw and your LLM support.
Q9: OpenClaw vs Claude / Gemini / Copilot? Those are AI applications. OpenClaw is a system that embeds AI across your workflows.
Q10: Who is it for? Anyone wanting AI embedded in their daily tools — from solopreneurs to developers to teams.
2. Installation & Setup
Q11: How do I install?
With Node.js ≥ 22.12.0, run the one-line install command, then openclaw onboard.
Q12: Can I run it on a phone? Not as a server. Once set up, you can use it from your phone via Discord, Telegram, etc.
Q13: Does it work on Windows? Yes. Windows, macOS, and Linux are all supported.
Q14: How much disk space? OpenClaw itself is small (~tens of MB). Chat history and files need space. Recommend 10GB+.
Q15: Do I need a public IP? Usually no. OpenClaw uses WebSocket communication and works on a local network.
Q16: Docker available? Yes, there's an official Docker image.
Q17: What's a system prompt? The "role description" you give your agent — defining its identity, tone, and capabilities.
Q18: How do I update?
openclaw update or re-run the install command.
Q19: Can I migrate to another machine? Yes. Back up config files and data directories, restore on the new machine.
Q20: Is there a GUI? Yes. OpenClaw has a Web management panel accessible via browser.
Q21: Minimum Node.js version? 22.12.0 or higher.
Q22: Does it run on Apple Silicon? Yes, native support for M-series chips.
3. LLM APIs & Models
Q23: Which model is best? Depends on the task. Daily use → DeepSeek/Gemini. Deep writing → Claude. All-around → GPT-4o.
Q24: Where do I get API keys? From each provider's developer console. OpenAI, Anthropic, DeepSeek, Google, etc.
Q25: Are API fees expensive? No. DeepSeek offers 5M free tokens for new users. Gemini has a generous free tier.
Q26: What's the difference between local and cloud LLMs? Local runs on your device (data stays private). Cloud runs on a provider's servers (data is uploaded).
Q27: Can I use OpenClaw without an API key? No. OpenClaw needs at least one LLM "brain" to function.
Q28: API call failed — what do I do? Check: key correct? Balance remaining? Network ok? Provider outage?
Q29: How do I switch models? Switch directly in the conversation UI or set a default model per agent.
Q30: One API key for multiple agents? Yes. Multiple agents can share one API key and model.
Q31: What Chinese models are supported? DeepSeek, Tongyi Qianwen, Zhipu GLM, ERNIE Bot, Doubao, Moonshot, and more.
Q32: What's a token? The basic unit LLMs process. English: ~0.75 words per token. Other languages vary.
Q33: How do I control API costs? Set monthly spending caps. Use budget models for routine tasks and premium models for important work.
Q34: Can I share my API key? Not recommended. API keys are sensitive — sharing can lead to unauthorized charges and misuse.
4. Messaging Integration
Q35: Does it work with Discord? Fully supported. Create a bot, get the token, paste into OpenClaw.
Q36: Slack? Yes. Create a Slack app, enable bot features, paste the token.
Q37: Telegram? Yes. Create a bot via BotFather, paste the token.
Q38: WhatsApp? Possible with third-party bridges. Check the OpenClaw documentation for supported methods.
Q39: Multiple platforms at once? Yes. One OpenClaw instance can connect to Discord, Telegram, Slack, and others simultaneously.
Q40: Will it spam group chats? Set trigger rules: reply only when @mentioned. Don't auto-reply to every message.
Q41: Can I set different rules for DMs vs groups? Yes. DM auto-reply vs. group @mention-only can be configured separately.
Q42: Can I block certain users? Yes. Blocklists are supported.
Q43: Is there a message rate limit? You can configure rate limits to prevent flooding.
Q44: Does it handle threads? Depends on the platform. Discord threads are supported.
Q45: Can it send images/files? Yes, on most supported platforms.
5. Agent Management
Q46: What's an agent? An AI "role" in OpenClaw — with its own identity, task, system prompt, and default model.
Q47: How many agents can I create? Theoretically unlimited, limited only by your hardware.
Q48: Can multiple agents run simultaneously? Yes. They operate concurrently without interfering with each other.
Q49: Can agents talk to each other? Yes. Multi-agent collaboration is supported.
Q50: How do I assign agents to different people/channels? Different channels or groups can be bound to different agents.
Q51: Can I clone an agent? Export config → import as new agent → modify as needed.
Q52: Is there a prompt length limit? Depends on the model. Most modern models support tens of thousands of tokens.
Q53: Can agents have knowledge bases? Yes. Upload documents as knowledge sources for your agents.
Q54: Do agents have long-term memory? Yes. OpenClaw supports memory systems for persistent context.
Q55: Can I train my own agent? Full training requires F1/G1-level hardware. But prompt engineering + knowledge bases offer extensive customization.
6. Automation & Cron
Q56: Does OpenClaw support scheduled tasks? Yes. Cron-style scheduling: by minute, hour, day, or week.
Q57: What can I automate? Daily weather, email checks, work summaries, RSS monitoring, task reminders.
Q58: What is a Skill? An OpenClaw extension package. Adding a Skill is like installing an app.
Q59: How do I install Skills? Browse the community Skill marketplace or write your own.
Q60: Useful Skills? Weather, email processing, RSS monitoring, file management, web search.
Q61: Can I write my own Skills? Yes. OpenClaw has Skill development documentation.
Q62: Do failed cron jobs notify me? Yes. Check the panel and logs for execution status.
Q63: Can tasks chain together? Yes. One task can trigger the next on completion.
7. Security & Privacy
Q64: Is my data secure? All OpenClaw data is stored on your device — conversations, configs, knowledge bases. Everything is local.
Q65: Does chat history go to OpenClaw servers? No. OpenClaw has no central server. Your data stays on your device.
Q66: What happens when I use cloud APIs? When calling GPT-4o, Claude, etc., your queries and context are sent to that provider's servers.
Q67: How do I keep data fully private? Use locally deployed LLMs (requires E1+ hardware) for fully offline operation.
Q68: Is encryption supported? OpenClaw local data can be protected with device-level encryption (e.g., full-disk encryption).
Q69: Where should I store my API keys? In your OpenClaw config file (on your device). Never post them publicly.
Q70: Can third parties monitor usage? Cloud API usage goes through the provider. Pure local use involves no third party.
Q71: Is it suitable for sensitive customer data? If data must stay on-premises, use the E1+ local LLM solution. A1 + cloud APIs are not suitable for sensitive/regulated data.
8. Troubleshooting
Q72: OpenClaw won't start? Check: Node.js ≥ 22.12.0, port availability, config file validity.
Q73: Agent doesn't respond? Check: model config, API key validity/balance, network connection.
Q74: Slow responses? Possible: API rate limiting, network latency, insufficient hardware. Try switching models.
Q75: Garbled text in terminal? Encoding issue. The Web panel usually displays correctly.
Q76: Discord bot connected but not responding? Check: bot token valid, permissions correct, bot online, trigger rules configured.
Q77: Error 429 (too many requests)? API rate limit hit. Reduce call frequency or upgrade your API plan.
Q78: Error 401/403 (unauthorized)? API key is invalid or expired. Regenerate and update.
Q79: Port already in use? Change the port in config or stop the conflicting program.
Q80: Broken after update? Back up config → clean reinstall → restore config. Check changelog for breaking changes.
Q81: High memory usage? Reduce concurrent agents or shorten conversation history per agent.
Q82: Service stopped unexpectedly? Check if the system killed the process. Check for scheduled shutdown tasks.
Q83: Can't access the Web panel? Confirm OpenClaw is running, check the HTTP port, ensure same network.
9. KAIHE A1 & Hardware
Q84: What is the KAIHE A1? An entry-level Agent Computer with OpenClaw pre-installed. Plug and play.
Q85: Can the A1 replace my PC? No. The A1 is an ARM device with 4GB RAM — a dedicated AI appliance, not a general-purpose computer.
Q86: Can the A1 run LLMs locally? No. The A1 uses cloud APIs. For local LLMs, explore the E1 and above.
Q87: A1 vs DIY OpenClaw installation? A1 eliminates installation, configuration, and maintenance. DIY requires technical skills.
Q88: Any ongoing costs with the A1? LLM API fees (pay-per-use, free tiers available). The A1 hardware is a one-time purchase.
Q89: What's the warranty? Check the official website or contact support for current warranty details.
Q90: Is it power-hungry? No. 5-12W typical — under $1/month in electricity.
Q91: Is it noisy? Completely silent. Fully passive cooling, no fan.
Q92: Can I install other software? Ubuntu is the underlying OS, so technically yes. Not recommended — the A1 is purpose-built for AI.
Q93: Does it have WiFi? Built-in WiFi 6, but wired Ethernet is recommended for stability.
Q94: Where do I put it? Anywhere. Palm-sized (75×75×40mm), silent and cool. Desk, shelf, media cabinet — all fine.
Q95: A1 vs E1 — which to pick? A1 = cloud APIs, affordable. E1 = local LLMs, more power and privacy. Depends on your needs and budget.
Q96: Can I cluster multiple A1s? OpenClaw supports multi-instance deployment. You can create agent clusters.