We used these 2 commands:
First:
openclaw onboard --auth-choice openai-codex
Second:
openclaw models set openai-codex/gpt-5.3-codex
openclaw models status --plain
Presented by Zapier:
Anthropic made it official: you can’t use a Claude subscription to power OpenClaw anymore.
So what’s the cheapest, compliant way to run top-tier models inside OpenClaw today?
In this episode of The Next New Thing, Andrew Warner brings back Caleb Hodges, founder of God Mode, to show exactly how to switch OpenClaw from per-API billing to your ChatGPT (OpenAI) subscription — step by step.
This update follows two previous videos:
One showing how advanced users build OpenClaw swarms
Another showing how to use a Claude subscription to avoid API fees
Now that Anthropic has clarified its terms, that workaround is off the table. But according to OpenClaw’s founder, OpenAI subscriptions are allowed — and Caleb walks through the exact terminal command and authentication flow to make the switch.
If you’re running OpenClaw for agents, workflows, or personal AI infrastructure, this episode could save you significant API costs and prevent configuration headaches.
Episode Highlights / Timestamps
00:00 Anthropic clarifies subscription policy
00:18 joel dommett wife The API cost problem for OpenClaw users
00:36 Why OpenAI subscriptions are now the best option
01:12 Confirmation cuba from OpenClaw’s founder
01:30 Bringing Caleb Hodges back
01:57 Switching from Claude to ChatGPT
02:33 The one-line auth command
03:18 Authenticating with Codex
04:12 Verifying OpenAI access inside OpenClaw
05:06 Why to use VS Code instead of in-app edits
05:51 Setting OpenAI as the default model
06:54 When subscription beats API billing
07:03 What God Mode installs for dua lipa entrepreneurs
If you’re building AI systems instead of just chatting with AI, this is required viewing.
👉 Join us:
