OpenClaw beginner setup with UniKey
This guide lets a first-time OpenClaw user connect a UniKey API key without using the Dashboard. UniKey is OpenAI-compatible, so select an OpenAI-compatible provider during OpenClaw onboarding.
Before you start, create a UniKey API key at UniKey. Keep the key private: do not put it in a Git repository, public chat, frontend code, or screenshots.
What you need
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Provider ID | unikey |
| API format | OpenAI-compatible / OpenAI Completions |
| Base URL | https://www.getunikey.ai/v1 |
| API key | Your UniKey API key |
| Recommended primary model | gpt-5.5 |
| Optional fallback model | claude-sonnet-4-6 |
Do not add /chat/completions to the Base URL. OpenClaw adds the endpoint path itself.
1. Install OpenClaw with the official installer
Use the official OpenClaw documentation for the latest requirements and platform notes: OpenClaw installation guide.
The installer is the recommended and fastest option. It detects your operating system, installs Node.js when needed, installs OpenClaw, and starts the onboarding wizard. You do not need to install Node.js first.
macOS, Linux, or WSL2
Open Terminal and run:
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash
Windows PowerShell
Open PowerShell and run:
iwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1 | iex
Note: Windows desktop users can also install the native Windows Hub companion app. It includes settings, tray status, chat, node mode, and local MCP mode.
Install now, configure later
Use these commands only when you deliberately want to skip onboarding. Afterward, run openclaw onboard yourself and continue with the next section.
macOS, Linux, or WSL2:
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash -s -- --no-onboard
Windows PowerShell:
& ([scriptblock]::Create((iwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1))) -NoOnboard
2. Complete onboarding with UniKey
The installer normally opens onboarding automatically. If you skipped or closed it, start it again:
openclaw onboard
When OpenClaw asks how to configure a model provider, use these answers. The wording can vary slightly by OpenClaw version; choose the option for an OpenAI-compatible or custom OpenAI-compatible API, rather than OpenAI OAuth or the Dashboard.
| Onboarding question | Enter or choose |
|---|---|
| Provider type | OpenAI-compatible / custom OpenAI-compatible |
| Provider ID or name | unikey |
| Base URL | https://www.getunikey.ai/v1 |
| API key | Your UniKey API key |
| API protocol | OpenAI Completions, if OpenClaw asks |
| Primary model | gpt-5.5 |
| Fallback model | claude-sonnet-4-6, if you want a fallback |
Allow onboarding to install or start the Gateway when it asks. This is the recommended setup path because OpenClaw writes the configuration in the format expected by the installed version.
3. Verify the setup
Close and reopen your terminal if the openclaw command is not found, then run:
openclaw --version
openclaw models status
openclaw gateway status
openclaw models status should show a UniKey model such as unikey/gpt-5.2. openclaw gateway status should report that the Gateway is running.
Start a chat in your configured OpenClaw channel and send a short test message, for example:
Reply with: UniKey connection successful.
A normal model response confirms that OpenClaw is using UniKey.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | What to do |
|---|---|
openclaw: command not found | Close and reopen the terminal, then run openclaw --version again. If it still fails, rerun the official installer. |
| Gateway is not running | Run openclaw gateway restart, then openclaw gateway status. |
| 401 or unauthorized | Re-run openclaw onboard and paste the UniKey API key again. Check for missing or extra characters. |
| 404 or model not found | Change the model to one available to your UniKey account, then run openclaw models status. |
| 429 or insufficient credits | Check your UniKey balance, usage limits, and rate limits. |
| You skipped onboarding or need a known-good config | Follow OpenClaw manual configuration reference. |