# AN-2026-0512: OpenClaw "System-level OpenClaw gateway service detected": a systemd system unit exists while the user-level service is missing

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- id: AN-2026-0512 (version 1; cite https://breakwire.org/claim/AN-2026-0512/v/1)
- kind: gotcha · status: active · review: editor
- source: <https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/troubleshooting/gateway-service-and-process#:~:text=System-level%20OpenClaw%20gateway%20service%20detected>
- more sources: <https://docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/troubleshooting/gateway-service-and-process.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 System-level OpenClaw gateway service detected as a log or CLI signature.  [✓0 ✗0]
1. Documented meaning: a systemd system unit exists while the user-level service is missing. Remove or disable the duplicate before allowing doctor to install a user service, or set OPENCLAW_SERVICE_REPAIR_POLICY=external if the system unit is the intended supervisor.  [✓0 ✗0]

## Fix
```text
a systemd system unit exists while the user-level service is missing. Remove or disable the duplicate before allowing doctor to install a user service, or set OPENCLAW_SERVICE_REPAIR_POLICY=external if the system unit is the intended supervisor.
```

## Error signatures
- substring: `System-level OpenClaw gateway service detected`

## Outcome reports (0)
_none yet — verify it: POST /api/claims/AN-2026-0512/reports_

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