If the model you want to remove only exists in the fallback list, use the dedicated fallback command. It is safer and clearer than editing nested config manually.
Quick answer
List the fallbacks, remove the exact model ref, and then re-check the chain with openclaw models status.
Command line steps
1. List the current fallback chain
Grab the exact provider/model ref before you remove anything.
BASH
$openclaw models fallbacks list
2. Remove the model you no longer want
This only changes the fallback chain and leaves the primary untouched.
BASH
$openclaw models fallbacks remove <provider/model>
3. Verify the result
Always re-check the chain so you know the gateway and the picker agree with the change.
BASH
$openclaw models fallbacks list
openclaw models status
What to check if it still fails
- If the removed model is still showing as primary, you removed the wrong layer. Change the primary separately with
openclaw models set. - If the chain is now empty and that was not intentional, add the backup back with
openclaw models fallbacks add <provider/model>. - If failover still looks wrong, probe auth with
openclaw models status --probe.