OpenClaw Field Guide · 24 of 24

23 · Quick reference

Updated 24 September 2026 · Community edition

Inspect first · terminal

openclaw --version
openclaw status
openclaw gateway status
openclaw models status
openclaw doctor
openclaw logs --limit 50
openclaw cron list
openclaw skills check

Open or configure · terminal

openclaw dashboard
openclaw configure

Configuration changes state. Use targeted settings and validate them.

Maintenance · run only when intended

openclaw backup create --verify
openclaw update status
openclaw update

See chapter 19 before updating. Protect the archive and verify the live system afterward.

In the chat

/status
/model status
/stop

To resolve a pending approval, choose one supported decision with its actual request ID: /approve REQUEST_ID allow-once or /approve REQUEST_ID deny. Do not paste REQUEST_ID literally.

Emergency Gateway stop · host terminal

openclaw gateway stop

Stops the Gateway service, not every independent process. Diagnose before restarting with openclaw gateway start.

Five habits

  • Keep secrets out of chats and public files.
  • Limit access and review consequential actions.
  • Back up before meaningful changes.
  • Bound retries and check for duplicate delivery.
  • Require evidence before calling work complete.