OpenClaw reset, configuration, and uninstallation are not the same thing. 'reset' only clears the local configuration and state, and the CLI will still be retained; 'uninstall' is more like removing the gateway service with local data. If your problem is a messy configuration, a dirty session, or an abnormal channel status, use reset first, usually uninstall it without uploading it.
How far can reset be cleared?
| Range | What happens | Suitable for the scene |
|---|---|---|
| config | Only reset the configuration | Changed the settings |
| config+creds+sessions | Even the credentials and conversations are cleared together | The login status is abnormal |
| full | The most thorough state of clearing the local state | Prepare to start over |
It is recommended that you make a backup first: 'openclaw backup create'. Then do 'openclaw reset --scope config --yes --non-interactive' as the case may be, or just let it interactively select. Only mention scope to 'full' if you explicitly want to clear out local states, credentials, and workspaces.
Many people think of reset as reinstall, but it just pulls the environment back to a clean starting point, and does not delete the command body. If you run 'openclaw doctor' and 'openclaw status' after you are done, you can usually see if the problem has been cleared.
In a word: OpenClaw's reset is suitable for "fixing configuration", and uninstall is suitable for "complete removal".
