OpenClaw Error Troubleshooting: A Complete Guide to Fixing API Error Codes and Proxy Connection Issues

Stuck with API errors or proxy connection failures in OpenClaw? Don't rush into reinstalling. This guide breaks down the most common error codes and their fixes, helping you quickly pinpoint the problem and get your tool back online.

1. API Request Errors: Common Causes of 401 and 403

When OpenClaw returns a 401 Unauthorized error on API calls, it's usually due to an expired or invalid API key, or insufficient permissions. Check your control panel to see if your API Key has expired or if it's linked to the wrong account.

A 403 Forbidden error is often caused by your IP being blacklisted or blocked due to geographic restrictions. Try switching nodes, changing your proxy exit IP, or removing any access restrictions on your account if needed.

2. Proxy Connection Failures: Network Timeouts and DNS Issues

If you see a "Connection Timeout" or "Unable to establish a secure connection" message, first confirm your local network is working, then check whether the proxy port used by OpenClaw is being occupied by another program.

For DNS resolution errors, manually set your system DNS to 8.8.8.8 or 114.114.114.114. If the timeout persists, try disabling your firewall or adding OpenClaw to the whitelist.

3. Account Lockouts and Authentication Errors

Multiple failed login attempts or logging in from an unusual location can temporarily lock your account. It will typically unlock automatically within 15–30 minutes. If you still see "Account Locked," use your registered email to reset your password and reactivate the account.

If your authentication token expires, log back into the OpenClaw client to generate a new Session Token. Avoid logging into multiple devices at the same time to prevent conflicts.

4. Configuration File Errors: Parse Failures and Invalid Parameters

When loading a custom configuration file, a "Parse Error" usually means incorrect YAML formatting—often an indentation issue. Use an online YAML validator to check that all key-value pairs are properly aligned and free of extra spaces.

For parameter errors like "Invalid Proxy Address," verify that the proxy server address, port, and protocol match the official documentation. After correcting the values, save and reload the configuration.

5. Still Stuck? Collect Logs for Self-Diagnosis

If you've tried all the above steps and the issue persists, enable logging in OpenClaw and export the debug logs from the last 24 hours. Pay special attention to red ERROR entries near the timestamps of the errors.

Send a screenshot or the log content to official customer support, along with your operating system version and network environment. They can usually provide a targeted fix within 1–2 business days.