How to Change Model In Openclaw

Use this when you want to switch models for the current session without restarting OpenClaw. Very civilized, for once.

/model

To see available models:

/model list

To select a model by number:

/model 3

To select a model directly:

/model openai/gpt-5.4

To check current model status:

/model status

OpenClaw docs say /model can switch the current session immediately, and /model status shows the detailed model/auth view.

Use this if you want OpenClaw to guide you through model auth, gateway, workspace, channels, skills, and health setup.

openclaw onboard

This is best for beginners or fresh installs.

Use this when OpenClaw is already installed, but you want to update credentials, provider choices, or agent defaults.

openclaw configure

Use this when you intentionally want to change the default model directly.

openclaw models set provider/model-name
Example:
openclaw models set anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-6

Use this when your new model needs provider authentication.

openclaw models auth login --provider <provider-id> --set-default
Example:
openclaw models auth login --provider anthropic --set-default

This is useful when switching to a new provider and making it the Change Model Manually in Config .

Use this only if you are comfortable editing config files, because apparently we still let humans hand-edit JSON-like config and then act surprised when commas win.

Example:
{
 agents: {
   defaults: {
     model: {
       primary: "anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-6"
     }
   }
 }
}

Use fallback models so OpenClaw can keep working if the primary model fails, slows down, or hits limits.

{
 agents: {
   defaults: {
     model: {
       primary: "anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-6",
       fallbacks: [
         "openai/gpt-5.4",
         "google-gemini-cli/gemini-3-flash-preview"
       ]
     }
   }
 }
}

Fallbacks are useful for production workflows where reliability matters more than pretending one model will never fail.

First, confirm which model OpenClaw is using.

openclaw models status

For chat/session-level status, use:

/model status

Check the active model, provider, auth status, and fallback setup.

Use this to confirm the model is available in your setup.

openclaw models list

To see all models:

openclaw models list --all

To filter by provider:

openclaw models list --provider openai

Send a simple prompt:

Reply in one sentence and tell me you are working.

If OpenClaw does not reply, check the model name, API key, provider auth, billing, rate limits, or gateway setup.

Test whether the model can follow simple steps.

Create a 3-step plan for organizing my daily tasks. Keep it short and practical.

Check if the answer is clear, structured, relevant, and not too slow.

Run one small workflow based on your actual use case.

If you added fallbacks, confirm they are visible.

openclaw models status

A good setup usually has one reliable primary model and at least one cheaper or backup fallback model.

After a few tests, compare the new model with your old setup.