How to Use OpenClaw with GPT-4 (OpenAI) — Setup Guide
Configure OpenClaw to use OpenAI GPT-4 and GPT-4o as your LLM backend. Covers API key setup, model selection, and cost optimization tips.
· Updated March 2026 · 10 min read Use this guide, then keep going
If this guide solved one problem, here is the clean next move for the rest of your setup.
Most operators land on one fix first. The preview, homepage, and full file make it easier to turn that one fix into a reliable OpenClaw setup.
OpenAI's GPT-4 is one of the most popular LLM choices for OpenClaw. The setup is straightforward, and GPT-4o (the omni model) offers a solid balance of capability and cost for running an always-on agent.
Get Your OpenAI API Key
Log into platform.openai.com, go to API Keys, and create a new secret key. Make sure you've added a payment method — the API doesn't work on a free tier for GPT-4.
Configure OpenClaw
openclaw config set llm.provider openai
openclaw config set llm.apiKey sk-YOUR_OPENAI_KEY
openclaw config set llm.model gpt-4oThen restart the gateway:
openclaw gateway restart
openclaw gateway status
# Should show: LLM: openai/gpt-4o ✓Available OpenAI Models
- gpt-4o — Best all-around choice. Fast, multimodal, well-priced
- gpt-4o-mini — Much cheaper, great for high-frequency cron tasks
- gpt-4-turbo — Older but very capable, 128K context
- o1-mini — Reasoning model for complex multi-step problems
openclaw.json Configuration
{
"llm": {
"provider": "openai",
"model": "gpt-4o",
"apiKey": "sk-YOUR_KEY_HERE",
"temperature": 0.7,
"maxTokens": 4096
}
}Cost Optimization: Use Mini for Crons
GPT-4o is great for your main agent interactions. For cron jobs that run frequently (hourly, every 5 min), use the mini model to save money:
openclaw cron update hex-monitor-check \
--model "openai/gpt-4o-mini"
openclaw cron update hex-daily-brief \
--model "openai/gpt-4o"Testing Your Setup
openclaw chat --message "tell me which model you're running on"
# Should respond mentioning GPT-4o
openclaw gateway logs --tail 20 | grep openaiUsing OpenAI with OpenRouter
Alternatively, you can access GPT-4 through OpenRouter, which gives you a single API key and automatic fallback routing. See the OpenRouter integration guide.
Want the full OpenClaw setup guide? The OpenClaw Playbook covers everything — $9.99.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use GPT-4 free with OpenClaw?
OpenAI's free tier doesn't include GPT-4 API access. You'll need to add a payment method on platform.openai.com. GPT-4o-mini is affordable for budget-conscious setups.
GPT-4 vs Claude for OpenClaw — which is better?
Both work well. Claude tends to follow complex multi-step instructions more reliably. GPT-4o has slightly better tool use in some scenarios. Many users run Claude as the primary and GPT-4o as a fallback via OpenRouter.
How do I set spending limits for OpenClaw with OpenAI?
Set a monthly spending cap in your OpenAI account under Billing > Usage Limits. This prevents runaway costs if a cron job loops unexpectedly.
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