OpenClaw Tutorial: Complete Guide from Registration to Account Switching

OpenClaw is a popular AI development tool. Many beginners feel confused about the registration, binding, and account switching process when first using it. This article provides a complete step-by-step guide from scratch, along with answers to common questions, so you can use it more smoothly.

Registering an Account: Email and Third-Party Login

When registering for OpenClaw, it is recommended to use email first. Open the official website, click the "Sign Up" button in the upper right, enter your email and set a password, and the system will send a verification email. Simply click the link in the email to verify, and your account will be created successfully.

If you prefer not to create a new password, you can also log in directly with your Google or GitHub account. Click the corresponding icon and authorize OpenClaw to read your basic information. This method saves you the trouble of remembering passwords, making it especially suitable for users who frequently switch devices.

Account Binding: Profile Settings and API Key Configuration

After logging in, it is recommended to complete your profile first. Go to the Settings page to fill in your name and avatar. More importantly, bind your API key. If you need to use OpenClaw's coding or reasoning features, generate a new key under the "API Keys" tab.

Copy the key and paste it into your local environment variables or project configuration file. Note that the key is only displayed once, so be sure to back it up in a secure location. After successful binding, you can access all of OpenClaw's capabilities via API calls.

Switching Accounts: Multi-Account Management and Deletion Steps

If you need to manage multiple OpenClaw accounts for work or testing, simply click the "Switch Account" option at the bottom right of your avatar. In the pop-up window, select another logged-in account or enter the email and password of a new account.

Some browsers may remember your login state, so it is recommended to clear the cache before switching. To permanently delete an account, go to "Account Settings," scroll to the bottom, click "Delete Account," and enter the confirmation text. Note that this action is irreversible and all account data will be permanently removed.

Common Issues: Registration Failures and Login Errors

If you do not receive the verification email during registration, first check your spam folder and confirm the email address you entered is correct. If the email still doesn't arrive, try switching networks or using an international email provider like Gmail or Outlook. If you see an "Invalid credentials" error when logging in, it is usually due to an incorrect password. Click "Forgot password" to reset it.

When binding your API key, if you keep getting a "Key invalid" error, check whether extra spaces or line breaks were copied. It is recommended to use the copy button directly on the API Keys page to avoid manual entry. The issues covered above resolve about 90% of beginner problems, and following these steps should help you get started smoothly.