How to Add a Fallback Model in OpenClaw
Add fallbacks from the CLI, list the chain, and probe auth so the backup model is actually usable when the primary fails.
Fallbacks only help if they are configured cleanly and have working auth. The dedicated fallback commands make this much easier than editing the model object by hand.
Quick answer
Use openclaw models fallbacks add <provider/model>, then verify the chain with openclaw models fallbacks list and openclaw models status --probe.
Command line steps
1. Add the fallback model
Pick a model that is cheaper or more available than your primary, not one that fails for the same reason.
Command
BASH
$openclaw models fallbacks add <provider/model>
2. Confirm the chain order
List the fallbacks immediately so you know what OpenClaw will try after the primary.
Command
BASH
$openclaw models fallbacks list
$openclaw models status
3. Probe the provider before you trust it
A configured fallback with missing auth is still a broken fallback.
Command
BASH
$openclaw models status --probe
What to check if it still fails
- If probe reports missing auth, fix the provider credentials before you count the fallback as real coverage.
- If the model does not show up in
/model, review the allowlist withopenclaw configure --section model. - If failover feels random, simplify the chain first and test with one primary plus one known-good backup.