🦞OpenClaw Guide
Models

Bot Not Responding — Missing API Key

Your OpenClaw bot connects but never replies. Usually caused by a missing or misconfigured API key.

⚠️ The Problem

Your OpenClaw bot is running and connected (you can see it online in Telegram/Discord), but when you send messages, you get no response. The logs may show: `` No API key found for provider "anthropic" `` Or you might see the bot acknowledge your message but never reply.

🔍 Why This Happens

OpenClaw needs an API key from an AI provider (like Anthropic/Claude or OpenAI) to generate responses. The most common causes are: 1. API key not configured — You skipped the onboarding step or it failed 2. Wrong config file — The gateway is reading a different config than you edited 3. Environment variable missing — The key was set in your shell but not in the service 4. Typo in config — The key is in the wrong place or has a syntax error

✅ The Fix

Run the onboarding wizard again to configure your API key:

bash
openclaw onboard

If you already have a key, add it directly:

bash
openclaw auth add anthropic# Follow the prompts to enter your API key

Verify the key is configured:

bash
openclaw models status

Restart the gateway to pick up changes:

bash
openclaw gateway restart

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📋 Quick Commands

CommandDescription
openclaw onboardRe-run the setup wizard
openclaw auth add anthropicAdd Anthropic API key
openclaw models statusCheck if models are available
openclaw gateway restartRestart to apply changes

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