Change the default OpenClaw model and configure fallbacks

Change one variable at a time

1. 1

   List visible models

   Confirm the provider plugin/catalog and exact model reference.

   openclaw models list

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2. 2

   Inspect auth without printing secrets

   Review profile state and provider readiness.

   openclaw models auth list
   openclaw models status --json

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3. 3

   Set the primary model

   Use the exact provider/model identifier shown by the catalog.

   openclaw models set <provider>/<model>

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4. 4

   Validate and smoke test

   Confirm config and run a bounded request before relying on automations.

   openclaw config validate
   openclaw doctor

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Fallbacks change cost and failure behavior

A fallback can improve availability but also hide provider-specific failures and change cost, latency, privacy, context limits, or tool behavior. Keep the fallback list short, test each route, and record which errors should fail closed instead of routing elsewhere.