Can I use OpenAI GPT with OpenClaw?

Yes. OpenClaw supports all OpenAI models including GPT-5.2, o3, o3-mini, GPT-4.1, and Codex. Configure your API key in OpenClaw Launch or your self-hosted config.

Which OpenAI model is best for OpenClaw?

GPT-5.2 is the most capable all-around choice. For fast reasoning at lower cost, use o3-mini. For budget daily chatting, GPT-4.1-mini offers the best value.

Can I use OpenAI Codex with OpenClaw?

Yes. Codex models work with OpenClaw for code generation, refactoring, debugging, and natural language to code conversion. Configure the Codex model in your agent settings.

How much does OpenAI cost with OpenClaw?

OpenAI API is pay-as-you-go with no markup from OpenClaw. OpenClaw Launch hosting starts at $3/mo. Alternatively, you can use OpenClaw Launch's included AI credits which route through OpenRouter at standard rates.

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Guide

How to Use OpenAI GPT with OpenClaw

Power your OpenClaw AI agent with OpenAI's models — GPT-5.2, o3, Codex, and more. Get your API key, configure the model, and deploy in 30 seconds.

Why Use OpenAI with OpenClaw?

OpenAI's GPT models are among the most widely used AI models. Combined with OpenClaw's 5,700+ skills, you get a powerful agent that can browse the web, write code, manage files, generate images, and more — all accessible via Telegram, Discord, or the web gateway.

Step 1: Get an OpenAI API Key

Go to platform.openai.com/api-keys.
Sign in or create an OpenAI account.
Click Create new secret key. Give it a name (e.g., "OpenClaw").
Copy the key — it starts with sk-...
Ensure you have billing set up under Settings → Billing. API usage is pay-as-you-go.

Tip: Set a monthly spending limit in your OpenAI dashboard to avoid unexpected charges. You can find this under Settings → Limits.

Step 2: Configure in OpenClaw

Option A: OpenClaw Launch (Easiest)

Go to openclawlaunch.com and open the configurator.
Select OpenAI as your AI model provider and paste your API key.
Choose a model (e.g., GPT-5.2, o3-mini, GPT-4.1).
Select your chat platform, paste the bot token, and click Deploy.

Option B: Self-Hosted Config

If self-hosting, add the OpenAI provider to openclaw.json:

{
  "models": {
    "providers": {
      "openai": {
        "apiKey": "sk-..."
      }
    }
  },
  "agents": {
    "defaults": {
      "model": {
        "primary": "openai/gpt-5.2"
      }
    }
  }
}

Step 3: Choose a Model

Model	Best For	Speed
GPT-5.2	Most capable, complex tasks	Medium
o3	Reasoning, math, coding	Slow (thinks longer)
o3-mini	Fast reasoning, budget-friendly	Fast
GPT-4.1	Good balance, previous gen	Fast
GPT-4.1-mini	Budget daily chat	Very fast

For most users, GPT-5.2 is the best all-around choice. Use o3-mini if you need strong reasoning at a lower cost. Use GPT-4.1-mini for budget-conscious daily chatting.

Using Codex with OpenClaw

OpenAI Codex is optimized for code generation and completion. To use Codex models with OpenClaw, configure the model in your agent settings. Codex excels at:

Writing and refactoring code across many languages
Explaining code snippets and debugging
Generating scripts and automation
Converting natural language to code

OpenAI via OpenRouter

Instead of using OpenAI directly, you can route through OpenRouter for unified billing across multiple AI providers. OpenClaw Launch uses OpenRouter by default when you select the included AI credits option.

Switching Models

You can switch between OpenAI models (or to a different provider entirely) at any time using the /model chat command — no redeployment needed. OpenClaw supports Claude, Gemini, DeepSeek, and more alongside OpenAI.

See our Models page for a full comparison of all supported AI models.