🦞OpenClaw Guide
Browser

Browser Not Working — Extension Relay Setup

Browser automation fails with relay errors. Setup guide for local and remote gateways.

⚠️ The Problem

Browser automation fails with errors like:

bash
Relay not reachable at http://127.0.0.1:18792/Chrome extension relay not connectedBrowser control service not listening

Or the Chrome extension Options page shows "not connected".

🔍 Why This Happens

The browser relay is a local service that bridges between OpenClaw and Chrome. Common issues:

  1. Remote gateway setup — The relay needs to run locally but gateway is remote
  2. Browser mode disabled — gateway.nodes.browser.mode set to off
  3. Extension not installed — Chrome extension missing or outdated
  4. Port conflict — Something else using port 18792

✅ The Fix

For local gateway (gateway on same machine as Chrome):

bash
openclaw browser startopenclaw browser tabs

For remote gateway (gateway on VPS, Chrome on your Mac/PC):

  1. Ensure browser routing is enabled on the gateway:
bash
openclaw config set gateway.nodes.browser.mode autoopenclaw gateway restart
  1. Run the node host on your local machine:
bash
openclaw node
  1. The relay starts automatically when the gateway routes a browser request to your node.

Install the Chrome extension if missing:

bash
openclaw browser extension install

Verify the extension is running:

  • Open Chrome Extensions page
  • Find OpenClaw extension
  • Click on "Details" and ensure it's enabled
  • Check the Options page shows "Connected"

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📋 Quick Commands

CommandDescription
openclaw browser startStart local browser relay
openclaw browser tabsList open browser tabs
openclaw browser extension installInstall Chrome extension
openclaw config set gateway.nodes.browser.mode autoEnable browser for remote

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