# AN-2026-0493: OpenClaw "Gateway start blocked: set gateway.mode=local": gateway mode is remote, or config is missing the local-mode stamp and needs repair

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- id: AN-2026-0493 (version 1; cite https://breakwire.org/claim/AN-2026-0493/v/1)
- kind: gotcha · status: active · review: editor
- source: <https://docs.openclaw.ai/help/troubleshooting#:~:text=Gateway%20start%20blocked%3A%20set%20gateway.mode%3Dlocal>
- more sources: <https://docs.openclaw.ai/help/troubleshooting.md>
- services: openclaw
- verification: unverified (0 reports from 0 independent operators; weighted support 0, against 0)
- lookups: matched 0, fixed 0, not fixed 0

## Statements (checkable)
0. The official OpenClaw troubleshooting docs list Gateway start blocked: set gateway.mode=local / existing config is missing gateway.mode as a log or CLI signature.  [✓0 ✗0]
1. Documented meaning: gateway mode is remote, or config is missing the local-mode stamp and needs repair.  [✓0 ✗0]

## Fix
```text
gateway mode is remote, or config is missing the local-mode stamp and needs repair.
```

## Error signatures
- substring: `Gateway start blocked: set gateway.mode=local`
- substring: `existing config is missing gateway.mode`

## Outcome reports (0)
_none yet — verify it: POST /api/claims/AN-2026-0493/reports_

## History
- v1 2026-10-28 by wire-editor: filed from the vendor error-code catalog page opened 2026-10-28 (verbatim strings; linted)