10 OpenClaw Setup Mistakes
This is what trips people up most often when moving from demo setup to 24/7 operation.
1
Not setting explicit boundaries in your config
Vague instructions invite creative behavior. "Check my email" can become replying to spam. "Monitor social media" can become random likes.
Fix: Be specific. Example: "Scan inbox for emails from [approved list]. Flag urgent items. Do not reply without asking first."
2
Exposing ports to the internet without auth
Opening an agent API port to 0.0.0.0 without authentication creates a direct compromise path.
Fix: On VPS, bind to 127.0.0.1 and use SSH tunneling or a reverse proxy with authentication.
3
Running on your main machine without isolation
Agents can run shell commands, access files, and call APIs. Failures become personal workstation failures.
Fix: Run OpenClaw in Docker, a VM, or a dedicated machine.
4
Not logging everything
When an agent does something unexpected overnight, no logs means no root cause.
Fix: Log tool calls, API requests, and key decisions. Disk is cheap; blind debugging is expensive.
5
Underestimating token costs
Even with provider subscriptions, chatty agents can burn through usage quickly.
Fix: Review usage weekly, tighten prompts, and use cheaper models for low-risk tasks.
6
No backup strategy
Your config files are your operating system for the agent. Losing them means rebuilding from scratch.
Fix: Use Git and daily backups to at least one offsite location.
7
Trusting the agent too much, too fast
Giving write access too early multiplies blast radius from bad prompts or buggy actions.
Fix: Start read-only. Increase permissions gradually as behavior proves reliable.
8
Not having a kill switch
Without a remote stop mechanism, small failures can run much longer than they should.
Fix: Set up an immediate remote shutdown command for the gateway.
9
Ignoring resource limits
Infinite loops or runaway tasks can consume CPU, memory, and disk until services fall over.
Fix: Set memory limits, CPU limits, and disk quotas from day one.
10
Forgetting the agent learns from context
Anything in the workspace can enter context windows, including sensitive files.
Fix: Keep secrets out of plaintext files. Use environment variables and proper secrets management.