> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.yelinai.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# OpenClaw Local AI Gateway Configuration Guide for LaoZhang API

> Complete guide to configure OpenClaw with LaoZhang API. Connect 200+ AI models via Custom Provider with OpenAI-compatible endpoint, including GPT-5, Claude Opus 4.6, Gemini and more.

## What is OpenClaw

OpenClaw is an open-source local AI gateway tool that runs in the terminal, supporting unified access to multiple AI model providers. It has built-in support for mainstream providers like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, and also supports connecting any OpenAI or Anthropic compatible third-party endpoint via **Custom Provider**.
By configuring LaoZhang API as a Custom Provider, you can access 200+ AI models in OpenClaw, including the latest GPT-5, Claude Opus 4.6, Gemini 2.5 Pro, and more.

## Prerequisites

* OpenClaw installed (refer to [OpenClaw official documentation](https://github.com/openclaw-ai/openclaw))
* LaoZhang API account with an API key (visit [LaoZhang API Token Management](https://api.yelinai.com/token) to create a new token — select pay-per-use billing, default group, and keep all other settings as default)

## Configuration Steps

### Step 1: Select Custom Provider

After launching the OpenClaw configuration wizard, scroll to the bottom of the **Model/auth provider** list and select **Custom Provider (Any OpenAI or Anthropic compatible endpoint)**.

<Note>
  请在 **Console** 查看对应界面截图。
</Note>

Custom Provider supports any endpoint compatible with OpenAI or Anthropic interfaces. LaoZhang API is fully compatible with the OpenAI API format.

### Step 2: Enter API Base URL

In the **API Base URL** field, enter the LaoZhang API endpoint:

```
http://api.yelinai.com/v1
```

<Note>
  请在 **Console** 查看对应界面截图。
</Note>

You can also use `https://api.yelinai.com/v1`. HTTPS is recommended for better security.

### Step 3: Choose API Key Method

When asked how to provide the API key, select **Paste API key now** to store the key directly in OpenClaw config.

<Note>
  请在 **Console** 查看对应界面截图。
</Note>

### Step 4: Enter API Key

Paste your API key from the LaoZhang API console in the **API Key** field (a string starting with `sk-`).

<Note>
  请在 **Console** 查看对应界面截图。
</Note>

API keys can be created at [LaoZhang API Token Management](https://api.yelinai.com/token). When creating a new token, select pay-per-use billing, default group, and keep all other settings as default.

### Step 5: Select Endpoint Compatibility

Under **Endpoint compatibility**, select **OpenAI-compatible (Uses /chat/completions)**.

<Note>
  请在 **Console** 查看对应界面截图。
</Note>

LaoZhang API is fully compatible with OpenAI’s `/chat/completions` endpoint. Select this option to proceed.

### Step 6: Set Model ID

Enter the model name you want to use in the **Model ID** field.

<Note>
  请在 **Console** 查看对应界面截图。
</Note>

### Step 7: Verify and Complete

OpenClaw will automatically verify the configuration. Once verification succeeds, the system generates an **Endpoint ID** (e.g., `custom-api-laozhang-ai`) and the setup is complete.

<Note>
  请在 **Console** 查看对应界面截图。
</Note>

Verification may return an error on the first attempt. Simply retry and it should succeed. If verification keeps failing, select **Change model** and try a different Model ID.

## Recommended Models

Through LaoZhang API, you can use the following popular models in OpenClaw:

| Model Series          | Model ID            | Highlights                               |
| --------------------- | ------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| **GPT-5**             | `gpt-5.2`           | OpenAI’s latest flagship model           |
| **Claude Opus 4.6**   | `claude-opus-4-6`   | Anthropic’s most capable reasoning model |
| **Claude Sonnet 4.6** | `claude-sonnet-4-6` | Balanced performance and cost            |
| **Gemini 2.5 Pro**    | `gemini-2.5-pro`    | Google’s latest multimodal model         |
| **GPT-4o**            | `gpt-4o`            | Classic, stable, and fast                |

**Model Selection Tips**

* Complex coding tasks: Use `claude-opus-4-6` or `gpt-5.2`
* Daily conversation: Use `gpt-4o`
* Multimodal tasks: Use `gemini-2.5-pro`
* Best value: Use `claude-sonnet-4-6`

## Configuration Summary

After completing setup, your OpenClaw key parameters are:

| Setting                | Value                       |
| ---------------------- | --------------------------- |
| Provider               | Custom Provider             |
| API Base URL           | `http://api.yelinai.com/v1` |
| Endpoint Compatibility | OpenAI-compatible           |
| Endpoint ID            | `custom-api-laozhang-ai`    |

## Troubleshooting

### Verification Returns Error

Verification may return an error on the first attempt. Simply retry and it usually succeeds.

### Connection Timeout

* Check your network connection
* Verify the API Base URL is entered correctly
* Try using `https://api.yelinai.com/v1`

### Model Call Failures

* Confirm your account has sufficient balance
* Check that the Model ID is spelled correctly
* Review call logs on the [LaoZhang API Log page](https://api.yelinai.com/log) for troubleshooting

Need more help? Visit [LaoZhang API Official Website](https://api.yelinai.com).