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# How OpenClaw Handles Fallback Models

Your OpenClaw agent is designed to be always available. Even if your primary AI provider experiences issues, your agent can automatically switch to a backup model. This guide explains how fallback models work, how to check your fallback list, and what to do when the primary model recovers.

### What Is a Fallback Model?

A fallback model is a secondary AI model that your OpenClaw agent automatically uses if the primary model becomes unavailable.

### Why Fallback Models Matter

* **Zero Downtime:** Your agent keeps responding even if your primary provider has an outage.
* **Automatic Recovery:** No manual action needed; the switch happens instantly and silently.
* **Provider Redundancy:** If one AI provider (e.g., OpenAI) is down, another (e.g., Anthropic or Ollama) takes over.
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### How Fallback Works Automatically

The fallback system is fully automatic. Here's what happens behind the scenes:

###### Normal Operation

* Your agent uses the primary model for all conversations.
* All responses come from your chosen primary provider.

###### When the Primary Model Fails

If the primary model encounters an issue (e.g., API timeout, rate limit, service outage):

1. **Instant Detection:** OpenClaw immediately detects that the primary is unavailable.
2. **Automatic Switch:** The system routes the request to the first available fallback model in your list.
3. **Seamless Response:** Your user receives a response (from the fallback) without any error message or interruption.
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### Reactivating Your Primary Model

When your primary model recovers from an issue, it becomes available again; but your agent won't automatically switch back within an active conversation.

###### Why?

* Each conversation session locks in the model at the start to ensure consistency.
* Switching models mid-conversation could confuse the AI or break context.

###### How to Switch Back to Primary

To start using your primary model again for new messages:

* Web Chat - Click the 'New Session' button in the chat window.
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/6/7/9/3/67938060e89a4400/webchat_2n95fs.png =800xauto)

* Telegram - Type `/new` in the bot chat.
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/6/7/9/3/67938060e89a4400/telegram_1nzip9w.png =497x228)

* WhatsApp - Type `/new` in the conversation.
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/6/7/9/3/67938060e89a4400/whatsapp_5w35zl.png =600xauto)

This command starts a fresh session, and your agent will load the primary model as the default.

### Need Further Assistance?

If you face any issues or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out — **our support team is always ready to help!**

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