OpenClaw Help: Troubleshooting Guide & Support Resources

Last Updated: February 2026

Need help with OpenClaw? This guide covers common issues, troubleshooting steps, and where to get support.

Quick Fixes

OpenClaw Not Starting

# Check if it's running
openclaw status

# View logs for errors
openclaw logs --tail 50

# Run diagnostics
openclaw doctor

Connection Issues

# Test your API key
openclaw test provider

# Check channel status
openclaw channels status

Memory/Performance

# Check resource usage
openclaw stats

# Clear cache if needed
openclaw cache clear

Common Issues & Solutions

"API Key Invalid"

Cause: Expired or incorrect API key

Fix:

1. Verify your key at the provider's dashboard
2. Update: openclaw configure --provider
3. Restart: openclaw restart

"Channel Not Connecting"

Cause: Authentication expired or bot not configured

Fix:

1. Check channel status: openclaw channels status
2. Re-authenticate: openclaw channels setup <channel>
3. Verify bot tokens haven't expired

"Out of Context" Errors

Cause: Conversation exceeded model's context window

Fix:

1. Start a new session: /new
2. Or enable auto-compaction in config
3. Consider using a model with larger context

"Tool Execution Failed"

Cause: Missing dependencies or permissions

Fix:

1. Run openclaw doctor for diagnostics
2. Install missing tools it reports
3. Check file/directory permissions

"Skill Not Loading"

Cause: Invalid SKILL.md or missing files

Fix:

1. Validate: openclaw skills validate <skill-name>
2. Check SKILL.md frontmatter syntax
3. Ensure required files exist

Getting Help

Self-Service Resources

Community Support

Paid Support Options

For faster or guaranteed support:

• OpenClaw Cloud — Managed hosting with priority support
• Community Pro — Access to experts and live calls
• Consulting — Direct help from experienced users (see community)

Diagnostic Commands

# Full system check
openclaw doctor

# Verbose logs
openclaw logs --level debug

# Test specific components
openclaw test channels
openclaw test provider
openclaw test skills

# Export debug info (for bug reports)
openclaw debug export

Reporting Bugs

Before Reporting

1. Update to latest: openclaw update
2. Check if already reported: search GitHub issues
3. Try to reproduce consistently

What to Include

• OpenClaw version: openclaw --version
• OS and Node.js version
• Relevant config (redact secrets)
• Steps to reproduce
• Error messages and logs
• What you expected vs what happened

Where to Report

• Bugs: GitHub Issues
• Security: security@openclaw.ai (do NOT post publicly)

FAQ

Is there official support?

OpenClaw is open-source with community support. For guaranteed support, use OpenClaw Cloud or hire a consultant.

How do I reset everything?

# Reset config (keeps data)
openclaw configure --reset

# Full reset (removes all data)
rm -rf ~/.openclaw && openclaw onboard

Where are logs stored?

# Default location
~/.openclaw/logs/

# Or check
openclaw config get logging.path

How do I downgrade?

npm install -g openclaw@<version>

Still Stuck?

1. Search the docs and GitHub first
2. Ask in Discord #help with full context
3. Post on GitHub Discussions for complex issues
4. Consider paid support for time-sensitive needs

Related Resources

• OpenClaw Community — Join 10,000+ builders
• Hire an OpenClaw Expert — Get professional help
• OpenClaw Course — Learn step-by-step
• OpenClaw Setup Service — Done-for-you setup

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Most issues have been solved before. Search first, ask with context, and the community will help you get unstuck.