Errors / gateway.mode=local

Fix: Gateway Mode Not Set

Error: "gateway.start blocked: set gateway.mode=local"

What It Means

OpenClaw requires you to explicitly set the gateway mode in your configuration as a security measure. Without this setting, the gateway refuses to start — this prevents unintended access if you forgot to configure it properly.

Common Causes

•Fresh installation without running the setup wizard
•Config file missing the gateway.mode setting
•Upgraded from an older version that didn't require this

Ask Your Agent to Fix This

Copy this prompt and send it to your OpenClaw agent:

Set gateway.mode to "local" in my OpenClaw config (~/.openclaw/ openclaw.json). Then start the gateway and tell me if it worked.

How to Fix It

Option 1: CLI Wizard (Recommended)

openclaw configure

Follow the prompts and set gateway mode to "local" when asked.

Option 2: Edit Config Manually

Add this to your config:

{ "gateway": { "mode": "local" } }

How to Prevent This

✓Run openclaw onboard for initial setup
✓Use openclaw configure to update settings

Related Errors

Gateway Token Missing

Related config error.

ECONNREFUSED

Gateway not running.

Related Guides

Getting Started

Full setup guide.

Still having trouble?

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