Google Gemini Ban: Managing Access for OpenClaw Users

Reports are flooding in from the OpenClaw community: Google has begun blocking paying subscribers who use third-party tools like OpenClaw to access Gemini 1.5 and 2.0 models. If you've seen "Unexpected Error" or "Access Denied" messages lately, you aren't alone.

Why is Google Blocking OpenClaw?

The primary reason is's security and traffic management. OpenClaw defaults to high-concurrency requests and autonomous browsing, which can trigger Google's bot-detection systems. Furthermore, Google wants users to stay within the Gemini web interface or use their official Enterprise API tiers.

How to Keep OpenClaw Running

If you rely on Gemini for your agents, here are the current workarounds:

• Use the Vertex AI API: The standard "consumer" API keys are being targeted. Switching to Google Cloud Vertex AI provides a more robust, enterprise-grade connection that is less prone to blocks.
• Proxy Your Requests: Using a residential proxy or a dedicated VPN can help mask the "automated" signature of your OpenClaw server.
• Slow Down Your Agent: Adjust your config.json to include slight delays between requests to mimic human-like behavior.

Recommended Alternative: Failover to Claude

OpenClaw’s built-in Model Failover system is your best friend here. Configure your agent to use Claude 3.5 Sonnet or GPT-4o as a fallback if the Gemini request fails. This ensures your automations don't break mid-task.

// Example failover config
{
  "primary_model": "gemini-1.5-pro",
  "fallback_model": "claude-3.5-sonnet",
  "failover_trigger": "403_forbidden"
}