When developing with OPenClaw, encountering errors is almost inevitable. From API call failures to account permission issues, this article covers several high-frequency error codes and corresponding troubleshooting strategies to help you save time.
API Authentication Errors: 401 & 403
A 401 Unauthorized error usually means your API key is invalid or expired. First, check if any characters were accidentally deleted from the key, then go to the "API Keys" page in the OPenClaw console to regenerate a new one — make sure to copy it without leading or trailing spaces. A 403 Forbidden error generally indicates that the key lacks permission to access a specific endpoint. Log in to the dashboard, check the role and permission settings, and confirm that your account has been assigned the correct scope.
Request Timeouts & Network Issues: 408 & 429
A 408 Request Timeout means the server waited too long for your request, often due to high network latency or an oversized request body. Keep individual request payloads under 2MB and verify that your network proxy is stable. A 429 Too Many Requests error indicates you've hit the rate limit — OPenClaw imposes a maximum number of requests per minute per account. Wait 60 seconds and retry, or upgrade your plan to increase the quota and avoid frequent polling.
Server-Side Errors: 500 & 502
A 500 Internal Server Error is a temporary server-side failure that the OPenClaw team usually resolves within minutes. Check the service status at status.openclaw.com; if it shows normal, retry the request. If the error persists, contact technical support with the full request logs. A 502 Bad Gateway error is typically a gateway-level issue — wait 5 minutes and retry instead of repeatedly refreshing the page.
Account Lockouts & Subscription Limits
If you see an Account Locked message after logging in, it's likely due to multiple incorrect password attempts or suspicious login activity. Reset your password via the registered email and review recent login records. Additionally, some advanced features require a specific subscription plan. If you encounter a 400 Bad Request error with an "insufficient plan" message, your current plan does not support that operation — consider upgrading to the Pro version.
Daily Tips to Avoid Common Pitfalls
Get into the habit of running a small-scale test every time you modify code or configuration — it can prevent a lot of errors. Also, keep your OPenClaw SDK updated to the latest version, as older versions may cause strange issues due to API changes. When you see an error you don't understand, consult the official documentation's Error Code reference page — it usually provides the most accurate explanation.
