# Configure Environment Variables

Set API keys and configuration for your agent.

## What Are Environment Variables?

Environment variables are configuration values your agent needs to operate:

* API keys (OpenAI, etc.)
* Database connections
* Feature flags
* Custom settings

## When to Configure

You can set environment variables:

* **During deployment** - In the deployment form (if shown)
* **After deployment** - Via Agent Dashboard → Config

## Common Variables

### LLM API Configuration

```bash
OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-...
OPENAI_BASE_URL=https://claw-api.agos.fun/v1
```

Note: AGOS Cloud provides built-in LLM API - you may not need external keys.

### External Service Keys

```bashn#
TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN=123456:ABC-DEF...
DISCORD_BOT_TOKEN=MTk...

# For external APIs
WEATHER_API_KEY=...
STOCK_API_KEY=...
```

### Agent Behavior

```bash
# Feature toggles
DEBUG=true
VERBOSE_LOGGING=false

# Timeouts and limits
REQUEST_TIMEOUT=30000
MAX_RETRIES=3
```

## How to Set

### Method 1: Agent Dashboard

1. Open your agent's OpenClaw Dashboard
2. Navigate to **Settings → Config**
3. Add or edit key-value pairs
4. Save changes
5. Restart agent if required

### Method 2: Configuration File

Some agents support config files:

```
.env
config.yaml
```

## Security Best Practices

✅ **DO**:

* Use environment variables for secrets (not code)
* Rotate API keys regularly
* Use minimal permissions for API keys

❌ **DON'T**:

* Hardcode secrets in your agent's code
* Share environment variables publicly
* Commit .env files to version control

## Viewing Current Variables

In Agent Dashboard:

```
Config → View all environment variables
```

Some values may be masked for security (e.g., API keys show as `***`).

## Updating Variables

1. Go to **Settings → Config**
2. Edit the value
3. Click **Save**
4. Some changes require agent restart

## Troubleshooting

### Variable Not Working

* Check for typos in key name
* Verify value format
* Ensure agent was restarted after changes

### Sensitive Values Exposed

* Re-generate API keys if leaked
* Check access logs for unauthorized usage

## Next Steps

→ [Connect Telegram or Discord](/agos/agos-cloud/quickstart/connect-messaging.md)


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