API key errors are among the most frustrating OpenClaw issues because they prevent any LLM interaction. Whether you're seeing 401 Unauthorized responses, "Invalid API key" messages, or silent failures, the root cause is usually one of a few common configuration mistakes. This guide systematically checks each potential failure point.
Why This Is Hard to Do Yourself
These are the common pitfalls that trip people up.
Incorrect key format or prefix
Wrong key type (publishable vs secret), missing sk- prefix, or corrupted key string
Expired or revoked keys
Key rotation without updating config, or keys disabled in provider dashboard
Environment variables not loaded
.env file in wrong location, not loaded by process, or overridden by system env
Insufficient key permissions
Key lacks required scopes for models, features, or API endpoints
Step-by-Step Guide
Verify API key format
Ensure the key matches the expected format for your LLM provider.
Confirm environment variable loading
Verify that OpenClaw is actually reading the API key from your configuration.
Test API key directly with curl
Bypass OpenClaw to verify the key works with the provider API.
Check key permissions and scopes
Ensure the API key has access to the models and features OpenClaw needs.
Rotate the API key
Generate a fresh key to rule out revocation or corruption issues.
Verify provider API status
Check if the LLM provider is experiencing outages or degraded service.
Still Getting 401 Errors?
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