Guide

How to Update OpenClaw to the Latest Version

Keep OpenClaw up to date for new features and fixes. Config is preserved, channels reconnect automatically, and active sessions resume after the update.

Quick Answer

Update OpenClaw: npm update -g openclaw. Back up config first with ClawSquire or openclaw config export. Then restart: openclaw gateway restart.

⟩Recommended: Use ClawSquire

Before updating, create a config backup with ClawSquire (one-click). After updating, run Health Check to verify everything works.

1. Create a config backup

Open ClawSquire → Config Backups → Create Backup. One click before any update.

ClawSquire Config Backups page showing versioned backups with timestamps, Create Backup button, and Compare/Restore actions — safe config management before OpenClaw update

2. Update via ClawSquire or CLI

ClawSquire checks for updates on launch and offers a one-click update. Or use the CLI steps below.

ClawSquire Dashboard showing OpenClaw version info, Safety Level, Config Backups count, and Quick Actions for update and health verification

3. Run Health Check after update

Click Run Doctor on the Dashboard to verify installation, config, and backup status.

ClawSquire Health Check verifying OpenClaw installation after update — Installation, Configuration, and Backup categories with Pass/Warning/Fail indicators

Manual Alternative

Update OpenClaw from the terminal.

1

Check Current Version

openclaw --version
2

Update via CLI (Recommended)

openclaw update

This downloads and installs the latest stable version. The gateway restarts automatically.

3

Update via npm (Alternative)

npm update -g @anthropic-ai/openclaw
4

Update Docker Installation

docker compose pull
docker compose up -d
5

Verify Update

Confirm the new version:

openclaw --version

Check gateway status:

openclaw gateway status
6

Update on macOS/iOS

OpenClaw desktop apps update through the App Store or built-in updater.

What happens during update

  • • Config is preserved
  • • Channels reconnect automatically
  • • Active sessions resume

⟩Troubleshooting

Update fails with permission error+

Don't use sudo. Fix npm prefix: npm config get prefix, then ensure that directory is writable, or use nvm for user-level installs.

Gateway won't start after update+

Run openclaw doctor to diagnose. Check for config schema changes or breaking changes in the release notes.

Want to pin a specific version+

Use: npm install -g @anthropic-ai/openclaw@x.y.z

Next Steps

Download ClawSquire — FreeGet Updated Safely — from $199

Need help? Search OpenClaw issues or ask in Discussions