OpenClaw Account Banned? Here’s Why It Happens (And How to Fix It)

OpenClaw has exploded in popularity. But with that hype, many users are now reporting sudden bans after connecting it to Google services using OAuth.

If you’re seeing this error:

“Gemini has been disabled in this account for violation of Terms of Service.” Cloud Code Assist API error (403)

You’re not alone.

Let’s break down:

• Why this happens
• What you did “wrong” (even if unintentionally)
• How to restore your account
• How to use OpenClaw safely going forward

Why Are Accounts Getting Banned?

Most bans reported in the Reddit thread share one common pattern:

Users connected OpenClaw using:

• Google Antigravity OAuth
• Sometimes Gemini CLI OAuth
• Proxy-based authentication
• Automation-heavy usage

The key issue:

Google Antigravity OAuth tokens are intended only for Antigravity’s official use.

Using them inside third-party automation tools like OpenClaw violates Google’s Terms of Service.

This is not a random glitch. It’s enforcement.

What Triggered the Ban?

From user experiences, these seem to be common triggers:

1. Using Antigravity OAuth inside OpenClaw

This is the biggest one. Google appears to be clamping down on OAuth tokens used outside approved apps.

2. High Token Usage / Automation Patterns

OpenClaw burns a lot of tokens continuously. Google systems may flag:

• Rapid automated calls
• Background execution
• Headless automation loops
• Unusual usage patterns

“Google’s systems hate anything that smells like automation on new accounts.”

3. Viral Spike + Security Concerns

OpenClaw went viral. That usually means:

• Massive OAuth misuse
• Leaked credentials
• Proxy hacks
• Rapid scaling abuse

Companies respond quickly when this happens.

How To Fix a OpenClaw Banned Account?

If you’re banned, here’s what worked for others:

Step 1: Email Support Immediately

Use the email shown in the error log:

gemini-code-assist-user-feedback@google.com

Include:

• Your Google account email
• The exact error message
• Log snippet (with timestamp)
• A polite explanation
• A request for restoration

Keep it short and respectful.

Step 2: Stop Using Antigravity OAuth in OpenClaw

If your account gets restored:

Do NOT reconnect it using Antigravity OAuth again.

Multiple users reported getting banned twice.

The Correct Way To Use OpenClaw

Instead of OAuth, use:

A Proper API Key

Use Google’s official API access through:

• Google AI Studio
• Google Cloud API keys
• Paid API billing

Yes, this costs money.

But it is:

• Allowed
• Trackable
• Scalable
• Less likely to trigger bans

“Google have an API for this use case. That’s what they want you to use.”

Important: OpenClaw Is Expensive To Run

You Need to know:

• OpenClaw constantly burns tokens
• API usage can get expensive fast
• Local models run slow
• Cheap APIs are safer for experimentation

If you're connecting OpenClaw to paid models:

Monitor usage carefully.

Security Risks You Should Consider

• Early-stage software
• Credential leaks
• OAuth token misuse
• Proxy vulnerabilities
• Automation running as admin in a VM

If you insist on using it:

Safer setups include:

• VPS (DigitalOcean, etc.)
• Isolated VLAN
• Tailnet-only access
• Separate Google account
• No primary personal account

Never use your main Google account.

Is Gemini CLI OAuth Safe?

• Some users not banned (yet)
• Some banned even without OpenClaw
• Some banned using proxy auth

Important:

Headless mode being “supported” does NOT mean third-party automation apps are allowed.

There is a difference between:

• Using CLI yourself
• Running a bot platform that automates at scale

Google’s detection systems likely differentiate usage patterns.

What NOT To Do

• Don’t create multiple throwaway accounts repeatedly
• Don’t reconnect banned accounts immediately
• Don’t use family-share tricks
• Don’t spam support aggressively
• Don’t assume “Ultra” means safe

Multiple Ultra users were banned.

If You’re Building Tools Around OpenClaw

Instead of promoting OAuth connection tutorials, focus on:

• API-key based setup guides
• Cost comparison breakdowns
• Security best practices
• VPS isolation tutorials
• Token usage monitoring guides

This is safer and more sustainable content.

Quick Summary

Final Advice

OpenClaw itself is not necessarily the direct issue.

The issue is:

Using OAuth authentication methods outside their intended scope.

If you want stability:

• Use official APIs
• Pay for usage
• Isolate experimental environments
• Avoid your primary Google account

And if you’re already banned?

Email support once. Wait patiently. Many users got restored.