If your goal is just to validate a workflow, you do not need to preload a paid balance. The practical approach is to install OpenClaw, scan the free catalog without probing, then set a default only after you know which models are still surfaced.
Quick answer
Use openclaw models scan --no-probe to inspect free catalog candidates first, then set your primary model and confirm the result with openclaw models status.
Command line steps
1. Install and finish onboarding
The first pass only needs a working local gateway and a valid config file.
BASH
$curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash
openclaw onboard
2. Scan free candidates before you set anything as default
OpenClaw can inspect OpenRouter's free catalog. Without a key, --no-probe still gives you a clean list to work from.
BASH
$openclaw models scan --no-probe --provider openrouter --max-candidates 10
openclaw models list --provider openrouter --all
3. Set the first model you actually want to test
After you choose a candidate, make it primary and re-check the resolved state.
BASH
$openclaw models set <provider/model>
openclaw models status
What to check if it still fails
- If
models scanreturns nothing, your provider filter is probably too strict. Retry without--provider. - If you want live probing, add the provider key first and rerun without
--no-probe. - If a model disappears after selection, it may not be in your allowlist. Use
openclaw configure --section modelto review the picker.