How to Set Up OpenClaw Without a Paid API Key

You can get OpenClaw running before you commit to a paid model provider. The shortest stable path is still the normal install plus onboarding flow, followed by a quick model check and gateway health check so you know the setup is actually usable.

Quick answer

Install OpenClaw, run onboarding, connect a provider that has a free tier or temporary credit, then confirm the resolved model with openclaw models status and the gateway with openclaw gateway status.

Command line steps

1. Install the CLI and baseline gateway files

Use the normal installer first. Even if you want to stay on free-tier providers, the core setup is the same.

2. Pick a provider during onboarding or rerun the model section

If you skipped credentials the first time, reopen the model section and attach the provider you want to test with.

3. Verify the gateway before you add channels

Do not move on until the gateway responds cleanly and the model resolver shows a primary model.

What to check if it still fails

• If openclaw models status shows missing auth, finish openclaw configure --section model before debugging anything else.
• If the dashboard opens but reports unauthorized, print a fresh link with openclaw dashboard --no-open.
• If onboarding wrote a stale or partial config, run openclaw doctor --fix and retry the model section.

Related OpenClaw Help pages

• OpenClaw getting started guide
• OpenClaw models guide
• OpenClaw troubleshooting guide