How to Fix OpenClaw Not Responding Errors Quickly?

OpenClaw stopped responding, threw an error code you don’t recognize, or never responded in the first place. Here’s exactly how I fix any of these with Claude Code and one prompt. This works whether you’re on your local machine or a VPS.

You can’t ask OpenClaw’s own chat to fix itself when it’s not responding. You need an external AI with access to your files and code to repair it. That’s why I use Claude Code.

Understanding why OpenClaw Not Responding

Most “not responding” problems come down to missing dependencies, permissions, security prompts, or config values the app can’t read.

On a VPS, you might be in the wrong session or missing a setup token. Claude Code reads your terminal output, infers what broke, and applies the required fixes.

If your issue is a sudden disconnect instead of a hard freeze, see error 1006. If you installed via containers and the engine won’t start, check the broken Docker guide.

Step 1: Open the right terminal

• Windows: open PowerShell.
• macOS: open Terminal.
• VPS: open your provider dashboard and launch the Console.

Make sure you do this on the machine where OpenClaw is actually installed. If OpenClaw lives on a VPS, run everything from that VPS console. Don’t try this from a different computer that doesn’t have OpenClaw.

Step 2: Install Claude Code

Install Claude Code on the same machine that runs OpenClaw. If you’re on a VPS, install it inside that VPS console. After install, confirm the CLI is available:

claude

If you see the CLI help or a prompt, you’re good. If you get errors here, copy the full output and proceed to the next step. If your install is containerized and breaking repeatedly, see the broken Docker notes.

Step 3: Build the exact prompt

Write one clear prompt that gives Claude Code full context. Paste your error or describe “not responding,” then ask it to fix it and ask what else it needs. Here’s the template I use:

I have OpenClaw installed on this computer/VPS. It is [not responding | showing this error]: 
[PASTE THE FULL ERROR OR DESCRIBE THE SYMPTOM]

Please fix it directly on this machine using the Claude Code tools here.
Is there anything else you need from me (like tokens, config paths, or logs) to fix this error?

If you know the channel or model, you don’t even need to specify it. The key is giving it the raw error and asking what else it needs. Keep this prompt ready to paste into Claude Code.

Step 4: Provide full context

1. Copy the entire terminal output when you see any error or warning.
2. Paste the whole thing into Claude Code along with your prompt.
3. Do the same for any security or permission messages you see.

Don’t trim logs. Don’t cherry-pick lines. Just copy-paste everything so Claude sees the real picture.

I don’t send this to other AIs. I stick with Claude Code because it can act on files and code directly on the machine.

Step 5: Get your setup token

Sometimes Claude Code will ask for your setup token, especially if you’re on a cloud subscription. Open a new terminal window for a clean session. On a VPS, close the old console tab and reopen a fresh one.

Run the setup token command. Depending on your CLI version, one of these will work:

claude setup-token

or

claude setup --token

Authorize when prompted in the browser. Your token will print back in the terminal, and you can paste it into Claude Code when asked.

Step 6: Let it apply changes

Launch Claude Code on the same machine where OpenClaw is installed. Paste your prompt and logs. When it proposes actions, it will ask you to confirm.

Keep approving the steps it suggests. Hit Enter or type “yes” when it asks to proceed. It will fix configs, install missing pieces, and restart services as needed.

Claude Code has access to your files and OpenClaw’s code, so it can actually make the changes. That’s why this works even when OpenClaw’s own chat is down.

Alternative Fixes and Notes

You can’t use OpenClaw’s own chat to fix this because it’s not responding. You need an external AI that can see the file system and code. Claude Code can do that.

There’s one error it basically can’t fix: you’ll see something like the “Claude $200 max plan” limit. You won’t run into that often, but if you do, upgrade the plan.

If the symptom is a disconnect with no reason, see error 1006.

Final Thoughts

Install Claude Code where OpenClaw runs, give it your full logs, and feed it the prompt. If it asks for a setup token, generate it and paste it in. Approve the actions it proposes, and OpenClaw will be back to responding normally.