OpenClaw Tip #5: Use SecretRef to Secure Your API Keys

If you’re running OpenClaw with multiple integrations, you probably have API keys scattered across config files. OpenClaw’s SecretRef system solves this with unified credential management across 64 integration targets.

What Is SecretRef?

SecretRef provides a single interface to define, review, apply, and audit all your secrets. Instead of hardcoding keys, you reference them through SecretRef, which handles resolution at runtime.

Setting Up SecretRef

openclaw secrets add --name OPENAI_API_KEY --value sk-xxx...
openclaw secrets add --name TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN --value 123456:ABC...

Reference in configuration:

providers:
  openai:
    apiKey: :OPENAI_API_KEY

Plan, Apply, and Audit

openclaw secrets plan
openclaw secrets apply
openclaw secrets audit

Why It Matters

• Fail-fast on active surfaces — missing secrets stop immediately rather than running broken.
• No restart required — apply and refresh without restarting the Gateway.
• Path validation — prevents secrets from ending up in wrong locations.

Security Best Practices

• Restrict .env permissions: chmod 600 .env
• Run openclaw doctor --deep to scan for exposed credentials.
• Rotate API keys regularly.
• Never commit secrets to version control.

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