openclaw-model-switch

OpenClaw Model Switch

Switch the default AI model used by OpenClaw by safely modifying openclaw.json.

Quick Start

Run the switch script:

python3 scripts/switch-model.py <model-id> --restart

Example — upgrade to K2.7:

python3 scripts/switch-model.py kimi-k2.7-code --restart

Example — roll back to K2.6:

python3 scripts/switch-model.py k2p6 --restart

What This Script Does

1. Backs up the current openclaw.json to ~/.kimi_openclaw/config-backups/
2. Adds the target model definition to the provider's models array (if missing)
3. Updates agents.defaults.model.primary to point to the new model
4. Restarts the OpenClaw gateway (with --restart flag)

When to Use

• Upgrading to a newly released model (e.g., K2.6 → K2.7)
• Switching between models for different tasks
• Rolling back after testing a new model
• Adding a model definition that the user knows exists but isn't configured

Workflow

Manual Switch (if script unavailable)

1. Read ~/.kimi_openclaw/openclaw.json
2. Back it up manually to config-backups/
3. Add model definition to models.providers.kimi-coding.models (see references/kimi-models.md)
4. Set agents.defaults.model.primary to kimi-coding/<model-id>
5. Save valid JSON
6. Restart gateway: openclaw gateway restart (or restart Kimi desktop)

Verification

After restart, confirm the active model via:

• System prompt metadata: check model= and default_model= fields
• Or run: openclaw status (if available)

Safety Rules

• Always backup before editing openclaw.json
• Preserve existing apiKey, headers, and plugin configurations
• Validate JSON after manual edits (use python3 -m json.tool openclaw.json)
• Do not commit config files containing API keys to version control

Resources

• scripts/switch-model.py — Automated model switcher with backup and restart
• references/kimi-models.md — Model specs, config snippets, and troubleshooting