FAQ

Find answers quickly and get unstuck.

Security & privacy

Is my API key safe?

API keys are stored only on your machine (under ~/.openclaw/). They are not uploaded to our servers. Even in cloud mode, your locally configured keys are not synced. You can review keys in Security settings.

Where is my chat data stored?

By default, chats stay local. If you sign in to the cloud account, history can sync encrypted for multi-device use. Cloud sync is optional and can be turned off.

Does SPA collect personal information?

SPA does not collect personal information for tracking. The app runs locally. Cloud features only activate when you register and sign in, and only store what’s needed for the account and data you choose to sync.

In cloud mode, can anyone see my messages?

In cloud mode, messages are proxied to AI providers (e.g. OpenAI, Anthropic). We do not store or read your conversation content; we only record usage for billing. For stricter privacy, use local mode with your own API keys.

SPA vs other OpenClaw setups

How is SPA related to OpenClaw?

OpenClaw is an open-source AI agent gateway engine. SPA builds on it: installing SPA also installs the OpenClaw engine — no manual dependency setup. SPA adds a full GUI, cloud sign-in, one-click install, and auto-updates.

How is SPA different from other hosted OpenClaw “cloud” products?

Many hosted OpenClaw setups run the Gateway on a server for teams. SPA keeps the Gateway on your own computer for local-first data, adds a polished desktop app (no CLI required), cloud accounts with optional keyless usage and sync, and one-click install without configuring Node.js yourself.

Is SPA free?

The SPA desktop app is free to download and use. In local mode you pay AI providers for API usage. In cloud mode you buy cloud credits. You can switch modes anytime.

Usage

How do I change language and theme?

In Settings, switch UI language (Chinese/English) and theme (light/dark/system).

Which models are supported?

SPA supports virtually any OpenAI-compatible API: OpenAI, Anthropic, DeepSeek, Gemini, Groq, Mistral, Qwen, Moonshot, SiliconFlow, OpenRouter, and more. Use a custom Base URL for your provider.

How do I create an assistant?

Go to AI Assistants → Create. Set a name, pick a model, and write a system prompt. You can maintain multiple assistants for different tasks and switch during chat.

How do tools and skills work?

Edit an assistant → Tools: enable built-in tools (files, search, code run, etc.) and install skills from the marketplace. The assistant calls enabled tools when needed.

Feishu bot doesn’t reply — what should I check?

1) Published the latest app version in Feishu (most common). 2) Long-connection mode for events. 3) im.message.receive_v1 added. 4) im:message and im:message:send_as_bot granted. 5) SPA is running and Gateway is connected.

Environment

Install fails with a network error

Setup downloads Node.js and the OpenClaw engine. On poor networks the app tries mirrors automatically. You can also set an HTTP proxy under Settings → Proxy.

Do I need Node.js installed myself?

No. SPA bundles its own Node.js runtime and does not conflict with a system Node install.

Where are data directories?

Engine & gateway data: ~/.openclaw/ (Windows: under your user folder as .openclaw). App settings: ~/Library/Application Support/spaclaw on macOS, %APPDATA%\spaclaw on Windows. The app itself installs to the normal Applications location.

Troubleshooting

I’m stuck — what’s the “nuclear” reset?

Quit SPA completely (including tray). Delete ~/.openclaw/ and the app support folder (macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/spaclaw, Windows: %APPDATA%\spaclaw). Reinstall the latest build from the site. This wipes config and data.

Gateway always shows disconnected

Check port 18789 isn’t taken; restart Gateway in Settings; read logs on the Debug page. If it persists, try the clean reinstall steps above.

White screen on launch

Rare. Try a full quit and relaunch. If it repeats, remove ~/.openclaw/ and the spaclaw app-support folder, then start again to rerun the setup wizard.

How do I fully uninstall?

Uninstall the app (Windows: Apps; macOS: move SPA.app to Trash). Then delete ~/.openclaw/ and the spaclaw Application Support folder. No data left behind.

macOS: reset OpenClaw and rerun the setup wizard

Run: rm -rf ~/.openclaw and rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/spaclaw. The second line clears the “wizard completed” flag. Reopen SPA to enter the wizard again. Remove /Applications/SPA.app if you want the app gone too.