Encountering error messages or account connection issues while using the OpenClaw AI agent is a common experience. This guide compiles troubleshooting steps and solutions for typical problems such as login failures, API call errors, and proxy disconnections, helping you restore normal operation quickly.
Login & Account Binding Errors
If you see "Incorrect username or password" during login, check whether Caps Lock is on, or try resetting your password via email. A "Account locked" warning usually means multiple failed login attempts triggered security protection—wait 15 minutes and try again. When binding an email and receiving "Verification code failed to send," check your network environment; in some regions, switching to a different node may be necessary.
API Key & Permission Errors
A 401 Unauthorized response when calling the OpenClaw API indicates an invalid or expired key. Go to your dashboard to regenerate a new key, and make sure no extra spaces were accidentally added in your code. A 403 Forbidden error typically means your account balance is insufficient or your subscription has expired—renew it promptly to regain access. Additionally, some advanced features require a Professional plan; the free plan will return a "Insufficient permissions" error when attempting to use them.
Proxy Connection & Network Issues
If you keep getting a "Connection Timeout" when connecting to the OpenClaw proxy, first check your local network, then verify that the proxy port isn't occupied by another program. A "SSL Handshake Failed" error often points to incorrect system time—sync your time and retry. When using a custom node, ensure the node address and port configuration are correct, and that your firewall isn't blocking traffic.
Common Server-Side Errors
A 500 Internal Server Error indicates a temporary glitch on the OpenClaw server side—usually resolves automatically after a few minutes. A 503 Service Unavailable means the current request load is too high; try lowering your request frequency or upgrading your plan for higher priority. If you see error code 429 Too Many Requests, pause operations and adhere to the rate limits.
Quick Troubleshooting Summary
When you encounter an unfamiliar error, start by restarting the OpenClaw client and refreshing your token. Check the specific error description in the backend logs, then search for the corresponding code in the official documentation. Join the user community or contact support—providing error screenshots and your account info can speed up the resolution. Regularly update the software version to avoid compatibility-related issues.
