OpenClaw Update Safety Checklist for 2026

OpenClaw now ships recovery features, but a safe update still starts with an operator who knows what must be restored. Use this checklist before upgrading a Gateway that can read files, send messages, or run scheduled work.

Before the command

1. Write down the current version with openclaw --version.
2. Back up configuration, credentials references, session state, and any external files the deployment owns.
3. Read the release notes for breaking changes, migrations, and plugin SDK deprecations.
4. Confirm the Node runtime and package manager are supported by the target release.
5. Pause non-essential automations while the update runs.

During the update

Keep the Gateway in an environment where you can see its logs and service owner. If Doctor or candidate validation fails, stop and read the failure. Do not delete retained originals until you have tested the new version and decided that rollback is no longer needed.

openclaw doctor
openclaw gateway status

After the update

1. Check the running version and Gateway status.
2. Send one harmless message through each critical channel.
3. Run one read-only workflow, one approval, and one scheduled task in a disposable workspace.
4. Review changed plugin and skill permissions.
5. Record the version, test results, and any follow-up migration in the runbook.

The official rollback and recovery guide explains which failures can be recovered automatically and which database migrations still require a verified backup. The Gateway security guide covers exposure, pairing, and trust boundaries. Keep both links with your maintenance procedure.