OpenClaw Operations#

Comprehensive reference for administering OpenClaw via CLI. Covers channels, agents, models, config, gateway, security, and maintenance.

Golden Rules#

1. Never edit openclaw.json directly. Use openclaw config set/get/unset or dedicated subcommands.
2. Always restart gateway after config changes: openclaw gateway restart
3. Telegram accounts: NO agent field inside account config. Route via bindings array instead.
4. Telegram streaming: must be string "off", not boolean false.
5. JSON values in config set need --strict-json.
6. Verify after every change. Run openclaw status or the relevant status command.

Quick Diagnostics#

bash

openclaw status              # overview
openclaw status --deep       # detailed
openclaw doctor              # find problems
openclaw doctor --fix        # auto-fix what it can
openclaw gateway health      # gateway health check
openclaw security audit      # security scan
openclaw security audit --deep --fix  # deep scan + auto-fix

Deep Audit with Claude Code#

Load the docs before turning it loose — the difference is night and day.

bash

cd ~/.openclaw
claude
# "Read https://docs.openclaw.ai/cli — the full CLI reference.
#  Now read the config and architecture pages too."
# Then: "Audit this workspace for security issues."

CLI Reference#

For the full CLI cheatsheet covering all commands, config paths, and examples: → Read references/cli-cheatsheet.md

Security Audit Reference#

For security findings, applied fixes, and remaining remediation items: → Read references/security-audit.md

Common Pitfalls#

MistakeFixPut agent field in Telegram account configUse bindings array at top levelSet streaming: false (boolean)Must be streaming: "off" (string)Edited openclaw.json directlyUse CLI commands; openclaw config setForgot gateway restart after configAlways openclaw gateway restartUsed jared@ for VPS SSHMust use root@clawdbotSet dmPolicy: "open" with allowFrom: ["*"]Use "pairing" or explicit user IDsSet controlUi.allowedOrigins: ["*"]Restrict to ["http://localhost:PORT"]

Online Docs#

• Full docs: https://docs.openclaw.ai
• CLI: https://docs.openclaw.ai/cli
• Channels: https://docs.openclaw.ai/cli/channels
• Agents: https://docs.openclaw.ai/cli/agents
• Models: https://docs.openclaw.ai/cli/models
• Config: https://docs.openclaw.ai/cli/config