How to Get an API Key for OpenClaw: Claude, GPT-4o & Gemini (2026)

OpenClaw requires an AI provider API key to function. This key connects your agent to Claude, GPT-4o, or Gemini — and you pay the AI provider directly for usage. Here's exactly how to get each one.

TL;DR: Which API Key Should You Get?

| Provider | Model | Best for | Getting started cost | |----------|-------|----------|----------------------| | Google (Gemini) | Gemini 2.0 Flash | Best for beginners — free tier, very fast, low cost | Free tier available | | Anthropic (Claude) | Claude Sonnet 4 | Best reasoning, writing, complex tasks | ~$5 credit to start | | OpenAI (GPT-4o) | GPT-4o | General purpose, widest tool support | ~$5 credit to start |

Recommendation: Start with Gemini 2.0 Flash if you want to minimize cost while getting started. Switch to Claude Sonnet 4 if you need better reasoning or writing quality.

Option 1: Google Gemini API Key (Recommended for Beginners)

Google offers a free tier for Gemini through Google AI Studio. This is the most accessible starting point.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to aistudio.google.com
2. Sign in with your Google account
3. Click "Get API key" in the top-right
4. Select "Create API key"
5. Choose a Google Cloud project (or create a new one)
6. Copy your API key — it looks like: AIzaSyABCDEF12345...

Free tier limits: Gemini 2.0 Flash on the free tier allows up to 15 requests/minute and 1 million tokens/day — more than enough for personal use.

To use in SimplifyClaw: During setup, select "Gemini" as your model and paste this key. In the OpenClaw config, the provider is google and model is google/gemini-2.0-flash.

Paid costs (if you exceed free tier):

• Gemini 2.0 Flash: ~$0.075 per 1M input tokens, ~$0.30 per 1M output tokens
• Most users who exceed the free tier spend $1–5/month

Option 2: Anthropic Claude API Key

Claude (especially Claude Sonnet 4) is the best model for complex reasoning, nuanced writing, and multi-step tasks. It's the most popular model among serious OpenClaw users.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to console.anthropic.com
2. Create an account and verify your email
3. Go to Settings → API Keys
4. Click "Create key"
5. Name your key (e.g., "OpenClaw Agent") and copy it
6. Add billing: go to Settings → Billing and add a payment method
7. Anthropic starts you with $5 in free credits

Cost expectations:

• Claude Sonnet 4: ~$3 per 1M input tokens, ~$15 per 1M output tokens
• For light use (50 messages/day): ~$4–8/month
• For heavy use (200+ messages/day): ~$20–45/month

To use in SimplifyClaw: Select "Claude" as your model and paste your API key. In OpenClaw config, the provider/model is anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-6.

Option 3: OpenAI GPT-4o API Key

GPT-4o is a strong general-purpose model with excellent tool-use capabilities. Good choice if you're already using OpenAI products.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to platform.openai.com
2. Create an account and sign in
3. Go to API Keys in the left sidebar
4. Click "Create new secret key"
5. Name it and copy the key — it won't be shown again
6. Add billing: go to Settings → Billing and add credits

Cost expectations:

• GPT-4o: ~$2.50 per 1M input tokens, ~$10 per 1M output tokens
• For light use (50 messages/day): ~$3–8/month
• For heavy use (200+ messages/day): ~$15–35/month

To use in SimplifyClaw: Select "GPT-4o" as your model and paste your API key. In OpenClaw config, the provider/model is openai/gpt-4o.

Storing Your API Key Securely

Your API key is a secret. Whoever has it can make API calls that bill your account.

Do:

• Store it in a password manager
• Use it only in trusted services like SimplifyClaw (which stores it encrypted in your private container)
• Set spend limits on your AI provider account

Don't:

• Share it in screenshots or support chats
• Commit it to GitHub
• Send it over email or Slack

Setting spend limits (strongly recommended):

• Anthropic: Settings → Billing → Set monthly spend limit
• OpenAI: Settings → Limits → Set monthly usage limit
• Google: Use billing alerts in Google Cloud Console

What If My API Key Isn't Working?

If your agent isn't responding after entering your API key, check:

1. Correct provider selected — if you entered a Gemini key but selected Claude, it won't work
2. Billing activated — new accounts sometimes need a payment method added before the key is active
3. Key copied correctly — some keys have hidden characters if copied badly; re-copy from the source
4. Quota not exceeded — check your provider's usage dashboard

For OpenClaw-specific troubleshooting, see our errors and troubleshooting guide.

Can I Switch API Keys Later?

Yes. With SimplifyClaw, you can change your API key and AI model from your dashboard at any time without redeploying your agent. See our model switching guide for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an API key even if I use SimplifyClaw? Yes. SimplifyClaw provides the server and managed deployment — you provide the AI model through your own API key. This keeps AI costs transparent and at provider rates.

Which API key gives me the best performance? For most tasks, Claude Sonnet 4 provides the best balance of capability and cost. For speed and low cost, Gemini 2.0 Flash. For maximum capability on hard tasks, Claude Opus 4. See our full model comparison.

Can I use multiple API keys (different models for different tasks)? OpenClaw uses one primary model at a time, but you can switch models from your dashboard. Running different models for different tasks requires switching manually or configuring separate agents.

How do I know how much I'm spending on API calls? Each provider has a usage dashboard: Anthropic's console, OpenAI's platform, and Google AI Studio all show token usage and costs in real time.

Ready to Deploy?

Once you have an API key, you're ready to launch your agent:

• Deploy your OpenClaw agent in 60 seconds
• Choosing the best AI model for your use case
• See what your agent can do