How to Use OpenClaw on AI Hub – SwitchBot Help Center

I. Prerequisites

Before starting the configuration, please make sure the following requirements are met:

Firmware version: V3.1 or later
App version:
- iOS: V9.24.1 or above.
- Android: V9.24.1 or above.
Add your AI Hub to your SwitchBot app.
Make sure your AI Hub has a microSD card inserted.
When configuring OpenClaw, ensure the AI Hub and your phone or computer are on the same Wi-Fi / local network.
AI Hub now supports one-click configuration of OpenClaw, with a usage cap for the service.

II. Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Visit OpenClaw Setup Page from AI Hub

Open your SwitchBot app and enter AI Hub's page. At the top of the page, tap Try OpenClaw to access the setup page.

You can also go to AI Hub > Settings > OpenClaw Setup, and tap Setup URL on your phone or enter the URL into the address bar on a computer browser.

Step 2: One-Click Configuration

On the setup page, click One-Click Setup.
It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete the initial configuration.
After the configuration completes, click Open OpenClaw to visit OpenClaw's control panel.
To verify that the configuration was successful, simply send a message to OpenClaw and check whether the robot responds as expected.

Step 3: Verify SwitchBot OpenAPI Skill

The OpenClaw for AI Hub has SwitchBot skill and channel preinstalled. Ask OpenClaw to list all SwitchBot devices added to your account to verify that SwitchBot skill is running.

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Step 4: Use SwitchBot Channel

Tell OpenClaw to strictly use the installed SwitchBot Channel to report device status.
If it tries other methods, keep insisting until it uses the channel.
Wait for it to connect via MQTT.

Check the connection

Ask for the MQTT connection status.
Ask for detailed status information.
If you see status updates, the setup succeeded.

Enable live notifications

Tell OpenClaw to notify you in the chat whenever a device status changes, using the channel.

III. Video Tutorials

App configuration: OpenClaw

Web configuration: OpenClaw

Web configuration: SwitchBot OpenAPI Skill

OpenAI API Key acquisition

Whatsapp configuration: Click to watch the video. Carry out setup following the video and restart OpenClaw container. In OpenClaw chatbox, send this to OpenClaw: ”Send this Whatsapp message to me: I am your assistant.“ Check your Whatsapp, if you receive the message, the configuration is successful.

IV. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why does initial setup take so long?

A: The initial setup involves downloading images and dependencies.

Use a stable, high-speed network (avoid public Wi‑Fi or weak connections).
Estimated time: 15–20 minutes (may vary depending on internet speed).

Q2: Why does OpenClaw return a 401 error?

A: This usually means you've hit SwitchBot API rate limits or quotas.

API calls have limits on frequency and total usage.
OpenClaw is available as a subscription service. A one-month free trial is included when you first activate your device. After the trial, an active subscription in the App is required to continue.
Once the limit is reached, requests fail and the OpenClaw may return a 401 error.
Limits: Up to 8,000 requests per month per account (once reached, the service is unavailable for the rest of the month).

Q3: When does the daily usage limit reset?

A: Each account has a monthly cap of 8,000 requests, which resets on the 1st of every calendar month.

Q4: How can I get more quotas?

A: We'll be launching a premium plan soon with higher limits.

If you'd like early access or higher limits, let us know your use case and expected usage to help us suggest the right plan.

Q5: I've completed setup, but it still says "OpenClaw service not ready yet."
A: The setup finishes before the service fully starts—it needs a few extra minutes.

You completed the installation, but the device is still starting the service.
Wait about 3 minutes (may vary depending on device performance and network).

Q6: Why can't I access OpenClaw's control panel remotely with the OpenClaw URL via a browser?
A: For security reasons, you need to authorize temporary access from the SwitchBot app first.

OpenClaw's control panel is restricted by default to reduce risks.
Open OpenClaw's page once in the SwitchBot app to temporarily allow browser access.
If there's no activity for 10 minutes, the window closes automatically and access is restricted again.
To reopen it, just open the page in the SwitchBot app again.

Q7: I can't find the access to OpenClaw setup.

A: Make sure both your AI Hub's firmware version and SwitchBot app version are as required. Then go to AI Hub > Settings > OpenClaw Setup in the SwitchBot app.

Firmware version: V3.1 or above.
App version: V9.24 or above.