node-connect

Diagnose OpenClaw node pairing, QR setup code, route, and connection failures.

1|Updated Jun 9, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/JEROME-PRAKASH-L/openclaw --skill node-connect-jerome-prakash-l
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: node-connect
Source: https://github.com/JEROME-PRAKASH-L/openclaw/tree/main/skills/node-connect
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/JEROME-PRAKASH-L/openclaw --skill node-connect-jerome-prakash-l

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Mobile and desktop nodes fail to connect to an OpenClaw gateway for many reasons—loopback-only binding, wrong network route, expired setup codes, or unapproved pairing requests—and vague errors like "can't connect" make root causes hard to find. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Topology-First Diagnosis: Classifies the setup as same machine, same LAN, Tailscale tailnet, or public URL before proposing any fix, avoiding mixed-route debugging. - Canonical Verification Commands: Uses openclaw qr --json, openclaw devices list, and config getters to read the actual advertised gateway URL and its source instead of guessing. - Root-Cause Mapping: Maps specific symptoms (loopback binding, invalid bootstrap token, unauthorized, pending pairing) to concrete fixes like enabling Tailscale Serve or approving a device request. - Use Case: A user's Android phone shows "pairing required" after scanning a QR code; the Skill identifies that the network route already works and directs the user to approve the pending request via openclaw devices approve <requestId>. ## Quick Start Diagnose why my Android phone cannot connect to my OpenClaw gateway after scanning the QR setup code.

Frequently Asked Questions about node-connect

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I fix OpenClaw node connection failures?

First identify your topology: same machine, same LAN, Tailscale tailnet, or public URL. Then run openclaw qr --json to see the actual advertised gatewayUrl and urlSource, and fix the route config so it matches your intended network path.

Why does my OpenClaw QR code not work on my phone?

The gateway is often bound to loopback only, so phones on other networks cannot reach it. Check openclaw qr --json output; if it shows 127.0.0.1, set gateway.bind=lan for Wi-Fi or enable Tailscale Serve for remote access, then regenerate the code.

What does pairing required mean in the OpenClaw app?

Pairing required means the network route and authentication already succeeded, and the device is waiting for approval. Run openclaw devices list to find the pending request, then approve it with openclaw devices approve <requestId>.

Can OpenClaw nodes connect over Tailscale?

Yes, nodes can connect over a Tailscale tailnet using gateway.tailscale.mode=serve or funnel, or gateway.bind=tailnet for direct tailnet access. The gateway host must actually be on Tailscale, verified with tailscale status --json.

Why does the OpenClaw app say bootstrap token invalid or expired?

This error means the setup code is stale, typically after a URL or auth configuration change. Generate a fresh setup code with openclaw qr and rescan it on the device.