Managing Update Channels
Switch between releases with openclaw update --channel dev or --channel stable.
Managing Update Channels is a free OpenClaw Academy lesson on CoddyKit — lesson 3 of 4. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the OpenClaw Academy learning path, one of 4 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.
What an Update Channel Is
An update channel decides which build of OpenClaw you receive, letting you choose between rock-solid releases and the newest features.
Two Channels to Choose From
OpenClaw offers two main channels: stable for tested releases and dev for the latest in-progress changes.
The update Command
You move between channels with the openclaw update command, passing a channel flag to pick which build you want.
openclaw update --channel stableSwitch to Dev
To try the newest features early, switch to the dev channel and you will pull the latest in-development build.
openclaw update --channel devStable for Daily Use
For everyday reliability, stay on stable; it gives you releases that have already been tested before reaching you.
openclaw update --channel stableDev Means Newer but Rougher
The dev channel ships changes sooner, so you see fresh features first but may meet rough edges that stable users avoid. ⚡
Updates Reach the Gateway
Updating refreshes the OpenClaw you run locally, including the Gateway daemon that powers your sessions and channels.
You Stay in Control
Updates happen when you run the command; nothing forces a new build onto your machine without your say-so.
Pick Per Need
Choose your channel by goal: dev when you want to explore and test, stable when you just want things to keep working.
Switching Back Anytime
Channels are not a one-way door; run update again with the other channel flag whenever you want to switch back.
Keep It Fresh
Running update regularly keeps OpenClaw current with fixes and improvements on whichever channel you have chosen.
Quick Check
Let us check how you choose the newest build.
Recap
Update channels let you pick your build with openclaw update: stable for tested reliability, dev for the newest features, switchable anytime. 🎉
Frequently asked questions
Is the “Managing Update Channels” lesson free?
Yes — the full text of “Managing Update Channels” is free to read here on the web, and the OpenClaw Academy course includes 4 lessons in total. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the OpenClaw Academy course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.
What will I learn in “Managing Update Channels”?
Switch between releases with openclaw update --channel dev or --channel stable. You practise OpenClaw Academy with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.
Do I need any experience to start OpenClaw Academy?
No prior experience is required. OpenClaw Academy on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners; this is — lesson 3 of 4, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.
How long does the “Managing Update Channels” lesson take?
Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.
Can I write and run code in this OpenClaw Academy lesson?
Yes. Every OpenClaw Academy lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.
All lessons in this course
- Pairing iOS and Android Nodes
- Building Practical Automations
- Managing Update Channels
- Troubleshooting the Gateway