How to Find Free Models and Providers to Try OpenClaw
Use the OpenClaw model catalog and scan commands to shortlist free test candidates, then set the default only after the status output is clean.
If you just need a working test setup, the fastest move is to shortlist free candidates from the CLI instead of opening multiple provider dashboards first. Then you wire only the provider you actually chose.
Quick answer
Use openclaw models scan --no-probe to shortlist candidates, set your primary model, and validate the choice with openclaw models status.
Command line steps
1. Scan the live catalog
This keeps you anchored to what OpenClaw can see right now instead of an old static list.
Command
BASH
$openclaw models scan --no-probe --max-candidates 15
2. Set the default model
Pick one model and commit to it long enough to validate the workflow.
Command
BASH
$openclaw models set <provider/model>
3. Confirm the new default and auth path
This is the final check before you build fallbacks or add channels.
Command
BASH
$openclaw models status
$openclaw models status --check
What to check if it still fails
- If the provider key is not configured yet, the catalog scan may still work but the actual model call will not.
- If the selected model is not allowed, review the allowlist in
openclaw configure --section model. - If you want a safer test bed, add one fallback after the primary works instead of configuring a large chain on day one.