Configure and stabilize OpenClaw browser relay

Browser relay maintains a persistent WebSocket connection between the OpenClaw agent and a controlled browser instance, enabling the agent to perform web interactions that require DOM access, form submissions, and dynamic content loading. Without relay capability, agents can only interact with APIs and static content.

Use cases for browser relay include web scraping of JavaScript-rendered pages, automated form filling for web applications, screenshot capture of dynamic content, web-based workflow automation, and browser testing integration. Any task that requires interaction with a web interface benefits from relay functionality.

The relay architecture uses a client-server model where the browser extension acts as the relay client and OpenClaw manages the relay server endpoint. The agent sends commands through the relay to the browser, which executes actions and returns results through the same channel.

Install the official OpenClaw browser extension from the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons repository. The extension is required for relay functionality and must be installed in the browser instance that will execute web automation tasks.

Chrome installation: Navigate to the Chrome Web Store listing, click Add to Chrome, and confirm the permission prompts. The extension requires permissions for reading and modifying webpage content, managing browser tabs, and communicating with the relay server endpoint.

Firefox installation: Navigate to the Firefox Add-ons listing, click Add to Firefox, and accept the extension permissions. Firefox permission handling differs slightly from Chrome but provides equivalent functionality.

After installation, verify the extension is active by checking for the OpenClaw icon in the browser toolbar. A grayed-out icon indicates the extension is installed but not connected to a relay server. An active icon with a colored indicator shows successful connection status.

Browser extensions require explicit permission grants to access webpage content and control browser functionality. OpenClaw relay extension permissions include reading webpage content, modifying form inputs, capturing screenshots, and managing browser tabs.

Navigate to browser extension settings to configure advanced permissions. Grant access to specific websites or enable global access depending on your automation requirements. For security, limit permissions to only the domains your automation workflows interact with.

Permission errors during relay operation typically manifest as failures when the agent attempts to read page content or interact with form elements. Check the browser console for specific permission denial messages and update extension permissions accordingly.

Some websites implement content security policies that restrict extension access. These restrictions may prevent relay functionality for specific domains. Test relay functionality against your target websites during the configuration phase to identify compatibility issues.

Connection stability depends on network configuration, browser update status, and extension version compatibility. The relay connection is sensitive to network interruptions, proxy configuration changes, and browser updates that may invalidate extension compatibility.

Configure network policies to allow persistent WebSocket connections without timeout restrictions. Many corporate proxy configurations terminate idle connections after a timeout period, causing relay disconnections during idle periods between automation tasks.

The relay includes automatic reconnection logic that restores connections after temporary network interruptions. Configure the reconnection policy through the management interface to control retry intervals and maximum retry attempts before alerting on connection failure.

Monitor relay connection status through the management interface or by polling the relay health endpoint. Connection status indicators show current state, latency, and last successful communication timestamp. Configure alerts for connection state changes to detect issues before they impact automation workflows.

When the relay connection is interrupted, the recovery procedure depends on the interruption duration and cause. For brief network interruptions lasting under thirty seconds, automatic reconnection typically restores full functionality without manual intervention.

Extended interruptions require manual reconnection through the management interface. Use the relay restart command to terminate the existing connection state and establish a fresh connection. This clears any stale session state that may be blocking reconnection.

Browser updates frequently cause extension compatibility issues that prevent reconnection. When a browser update occurs, verify the extension version is compatible with your browser version and update the extension if a newer version is available. Roll back browser updates if extension compatibility cannot be restored.

If reconnection consistently fails despite troubleshooting, clear the browser extension storage and re-register the extension with the relay server. This resolves session state corruption that may be blocking normal reconnection procedures.

Persistent connection issues typically stem from one of several root causes: network policy interference, browser or extension version mismatch, permission revocation, or relay server issues. Systematic diagnosis using the relay health command isolates the specific failure mode.

Network diagnostics include testing WebSocket connectivity to the relay endpoint directly, checking proxy configuration matches relay requirements, and verifying firewall rules allow bidirectional relay traffic on the configured port.

Permission drift occurs when browsers automatically revoke previously granted permissions during security update cycles. After browser updates, verify extension permissions remain intact by checking the extension status page and re-granting any revoked permissions.

When all troubleshooting steps fail, collect relay diagnostic logs and contact support with the log bundle. Include browser version, extension version, operating system details, and the specific error messages from the relay health diagnostic output.