Introduction
# OpenClaw Auto-Updater
Run **scheduled updates** for OpenClaw and installed skills using cron messages (no scripts required). Focus: safe scheduling, predictable output, and minimal manual work.
## What it does
- Runs OpenClaw updates on a fixed schedule - Updates all installed skills via ClawHub - Sends a concise, readable summary (updated / unchanged / failed)
## Setup (daily updates)
**Daily at 03:30 Europe/Berlin**: ```bash openclaw cron add \ --name "OpenClaw Auto-Update" \ --cron "30 3 * * *" \ --tz "Europe/Berlin" \ --session isolated \ --wake now \ --deliver \ --message "Run daily auto-updates: 1) openclaw update --yes --json 2) clawdhub update --all 3) report versions updated + errors." ```
### Weekly (Sunday 04:00) ```bash openclaw cron add \ --name "OpenClaw Auto-Update (Weekly)" \ --cron "0 4 * * 0" \ --tz "Europe/Berlin" \ --session isolated \ --wake now \ --deliver \ --message "Run weekly auto-updates: openclaw update --yes --json; clawdhub update --all; summarize changes." ```
## Safer modes
**Dry run (no changes):** ```bash openclaw cron add \ --name "OpenClaw Auto-Update (Dry)" \ --cron "30 3 * * *" \ --tz "Europe/Berlin" \ --session isolated \ --wake now \ --deliver \ --message "Check updates only: openclaw update status; clawdhub update --all --dry-run; summarize what would change." ```
**Core only (skip skills):** ```bash openclaw cron add \ --name "OpenClaw Auto-Update (Core Only)" \ --cron "30 3 * * *" \ --tz "Europe/Berlin" \ --session isolated \ --wake now \ --deliver \ --message "Update OpenClaw only: openclaw update --yes --json; summarize version change." ```
## Summary format (recommended) ``` 🔄 OpenClaw Auto-Update
OpenClaw: 2026.2.1 → 2026.2.2 (OK) Skills updated: 3 Skills unchanged: 12 Errors: none ```
## Troubleshooting
- If updates fail, include the error in the summary. - Schedule off-hours; updates may restart the gateway. - Use explicit timezones to avoid surprises.
## References - `references/agent-guide.md` → deeper implementation notes - `references/summary-examples.md` → formatting examples