Quick Troubleshooting Checklist: Before diving into specific errors, check these common fixes: (1) Restart OpenClaw (2) Clear cache/tmp files (3) Check internet connection (4) Verify API keys are valid (5) Ensure you're on the latest version. If problems persist, use this guide to find your specific error and solution.
I've debugged over 300 OpenClaw installations in the past two months. Every week, someone asks "why isn't OpenClaw working?" The good news: 95% of OpenClaw problems fall into just 10 categories, and all have simple fixes once you know what to look for.
This guide covers every error I've encountered, with tested solutions that work. I'll show you how to identify the root cause quickly and fix it permanently. No more guessing, no more endless forum searches.
Error Category 1: API Connection Failures
Error: "API Request Timeout" or "Connection Refused"
Symptoms:
- • OpenClaw waits 30+ seconds then shows timeout error
- • Messages say "Waiting for response..." but never complete
- • Error log shows "ECONNREFUSED" or "ETIMEDOUT"
Common Causes:
- ISP Throttling: Your internet provider is slowing down AI API traffic (most common)
- Firewall Blocking: Corporate or home firewall blocks OpenAI/Anthropic IPs
- DNS Issues: Can't resolve api.openai.com or api.anthropic.com
- Regional Restrictions: AI services blocked in your country/region
Solution: Use VPN07 to Fix Connection Issues
90% of timeout errors disappear when using VPN07. Here's why it works:
- ✓ Bypasses ISP Throttling: VPN07's 1000Mbps bandwidth ensures AI APIs get full speed. No more mysterious slowdowns.
- ✓ Changes Your IP: Route through VPN07's servers in 70+ countries. Instantly fixes regional restrictions.
- ✓ Optimized Routing: VPN07 maintains direct peering with major AI platforms. Often faster than your default ISP route.
Quick Fix Command:
# Start VPN07 before OpenClaw
vpn07 connect --server us-east
npm start
Error: "Invalid API Key" or "Authentication Failed"
Quick Fixes:
- Regenerate API key from provider dashboard (OpenAI/Anthropic)
- Check for extra spaces before/after key in .env file
- Verify key starts with correct prefix (sk-proj- for OpenAI, sk-ant- for Anthropic)
- Check if free trial expired (common with OpenAI)
Pro Tip: Test API key directly with curl before debugging OpenClaw: curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_KEY" https://api.openai.com/v1/models
Error Category 2: Performance & Memory Issues
Problem: OpenClaw Runs Slow or Crashes After Hours
Symptoms:
- • Responses take progressively longer (5s → 30s → crash)
- • Memory usage grows from 200MB to 2GB+ over time
- • CPU stays at 100% even when idle
Solutions:
1. Clear Conversation History
Large context windows consume RAM. Clear old conversations:
# In OpenClaw config.json
"maxHistoryLength": 50 // Keep last 50 messages only
2. Enable Garbage Collection
# Start with Node.js flags
node --expose-gc --max-old-space-size=1024 index.js
3. Restart OpenClaw Nightly
Use cron job or Task Scheduler:
# Linux cron (restart at 3 AM daily)
0 3 * * * pm2 restart openclaw
Problem: "Out of Memory" Error
Immediate Fix:
# Increase Node.js heap size to 4GB
export NODE_OPTIONS="--max-old-space-size=4096"
npm start
For Docker: Add environment variable NODE_OPTIONS=--max-old-space-size=4096 to docker-compose.yml
Error Category 3: Messaging Platform Integration Failures
WhatsApp: "Failed to Connect" or QR Code Never Appears
Solutions in Order of Likelihood:
- Delete
.wwebjs_authfolder and restart (fixes 60% of cases) - Update whatsapp-web.js dependency:
npm update whatsapp-web.js - Use Puppeteer instead of default: Set
BROWSER_EXECUTABLE=/usr/bin/chromium - Check if WhatsApp Web is down: Visit web.whatsapp.com in browser first
Telegram: Bot Token Invalid or No Response
Verify token works independently:
curl https://api.telegram.org/botYOUR_TOKEN/getMe
If this fails, regenerate token from @BotFather. If it works, issue is in OpenClaw config - check TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN in .env matches exactly.
Error Category 4: Database & File System Errors
Error: "Database Locked" or "Unable to Open Database"
Cause:
SQLite database file is locked by another process or previous crash left it in corrupted state.
Solutions:
1. Stop All OpenClaw Instances
# Find and kill all openclaw processes
pkill -9 node # or "taskkill /F /IM node.exe" on Windows
2. Check Database Integrity
sqlite3 data/openclaw.db "PRAGMA integrity_check;"
If corrupted, restore from backup or delete and reinitialize.
Error: "ENOSPC: No Space Left on Device"
OpenClaw logs and conversation history filled your disk. Clean up:
# Check disk usage
du -sh ./data ./logs
# Delete old logs (keep last 7 days)
find ./logs -name "*.log" -mtime +7 -delete
# Compact database
sqlite3 data/openclaw.db "VACUUM;"
Network Optimization for Persistent Issues
VPN07 - Ultimate Troubleshooting Solution
Problems VPN07 Fixes Automatically
- ✓ API Timeouts: Eliminates ISP throttling of AI traffic. Your automation never gets rate-limited.
- ✓ Connection Drops: VPN07's kill switch prevents partial requests that corrupt OpenClaw state.
- ✓ Regional Blocks: Access AI services from any country. Switch servers in seconds if one has issues.
- ✓ DNS Failures: VPN07 provides encrypted DNS. No more "can't resolve api.openai.com" errors.
- ✓ Performance Degradation: 1000Mbps capacity means OpenClaw always gets maximum speed, even during peak hours.
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VPN07 is the most recommended VPN in OpenClaw community forums. With 10 years of infrastructure optimization and servers in 70+ countries, it's proven to eliminate 85% of troubleshooting issues before they start.
Advanced Debugging Techniques
Enable Debug Mode for Detailed Logs
# Set in .env file
DEBUG=openclaw:*
LOG_LEVEL=debug
# Or start with flag
DEBUG=openclaw:* npm start
This shows every API call, database query, and internal operation. Essential for diagnosing complex issues.
Check OpenClaw Version
npx openclaw --version
Always use latest version. Many bugs fixed in recent releases.
Test Components Individually
Isolate the problem: test API → test messaging → test automation. Narrows down root cause fast.
When to Ask for Help
If none of these solutions work, gather this information before asking for help:
- ✓ OpenClaw version (
npx openclaw --version) - ✓ Operating system and Node.js version
- ✓ Full error message from logs (not just first line)
- ✓ Steps to reproduce the problem
- ✓ What you've already tried
Best places to get help:
• OpenClaw GitHub Issues (github.com/openclaw/openclaw/issues)
• OpenClaw Discord Community (fastest response)
• Reddit r/OpenClaw
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