To switch from Claude to OpenAI on OpenClaw, run two commands: openclaw onboard --auth-choice openai-codex then openclaw models set openai-codex/gpt-5.3-codex. That's it — you're now using your ChatGPT/Codex subscription instead of burning $20–100/day on Claude API fees.
This matters right now because Anthropic just banned users from connecting Claude subscriptions to OpenClaw. OpenAI did the opposite — they explicitly allow ChatGPT and Codex subscriptions in OpenClaw. If you're an OpenClaw user, the choice just got made for you.
What Happened
On February 19, 2026, Andrew Warner's tweet went viral (624K+ views) breaking the news: Anthropic updated their Terms of Service to prohibit connecting Claude subscriptions to third-party tools like OpenClaw. Meanwhile, OpenAI stepped in and confirmed that using ChatGPT/Codex subscriptions with OpenClaw is fully supported.
Peter Steinberger, the creator of OpenClaw, confirmed that OpenAI was already ahead of this — they'd been working on first-class OpenClaw integration before Anthropic even made their move.
The Cost Problem Claude Created
If you've been using Claude through OpenClaw via API keys, you already know the pain:
| Usage Level | Claude API Cost | ChatGPT/Codex Subscription |
|---|---|---|
| Light | ~$20/day ($600/mo) | $20/mo |
| Moderate | ~$50/day ($1,500/mo) | $100/mo |
| Heavy | ~$100/day ($3,000/mo) | $200/mo |
That's not a typo. API-based usage with Claude can easily hit $600–$3,000/month. A flat OpenAI subscription caps you at $20–$200/month for the same (or better) workflow.
How to Switch: 2-Step Walkthrough
Step 1: Onboard with OpenAI
openclaw onboard --auth-choice openai-codex
This connects your existing ChatGPT or Codex subscription to OpenClaw. You'll authenticate via OAuth — no API keys to manage, no usage meters ticking up.
Step 2: Set Your Model
openclaw models set openai-codex/gpt-5.3-codex
This switches your default model to GPT-5.3 Codex, OpenAI's latest coding-optimized model. It runs through your subscription, not pay-per-token.
That's it. Your next openclaw session uses OpenAI.
Why Anthropic Banned It
Anthropic's updated ToS specifically prohibits using Claude subscriptions through "third-party orchestration tools" — which includes OpenClaw. If you keep using Claude through OpenClaw, you risk account termination.
The reasoning likely comes down to economics: subscription users running heavy agentic workloads through OpenClaw consume far more compute than Anthropic priced into their plans. Rather than adjust pricing, they chose to ban the use case entirely.
OpenAI took the opposite approach. They see OpenClaw integration as a feature, not a threat.
Even Easier with 1mins.in
If you don't want to touch the CLI at all, 1mins.in makes this even simpler. As a managed OpenClaw hosting platform, 1mins.in handles the setup for you:
- No terminal commands needed
- Connect your OpenAI subscription from the dashboard
- Model switching is a dropdown, not a CLI flag
- Managed infrastructure means no server maintenance
Whether you're migrating from Claude or starting fresh, 1mins.in removes the DevOps overhead entirely.
TL;DR
- Anthropic banned Claude subscriptions in OpenClaw
- OpenAI welcomes ChatGPT/Codex subscriptions in OpenClaw
- 2 commands to switch:
onboard+models set - Save $600+/month vs Claude API pricing
- Use 1mins.in if you want zero CLI setup