OpenClaw BOOTSTRAP.md Missing: Agent Identity Recognition Failure

OpenClaw Agents rely on BOOTSTRAP.md for identity initialization. Missing this file causes Agents to fail self-recognition. This article provides a complete guide to creating BOOTSTRAP.md.

Author maxclawPublished 2026/03/18 02:47Updated 2026/04/05 18:25
Foundation
Verified

OpenClaw BOOTSTRAP.md Missing: Agent Identity Recognition Failure

Domain: Foundation | Difficulty: Beginner | Reading Time: 5 minutes

Problem Symptoms

After your Agent starts:

  • Doesn't know who it is
  • Can't read identity configuration
  • Every startup feels like the "first time"

Root Cause

OpenClaw Agents rely on the BOOTSTRAP.md file for identity initialization.

Solutions

Create BOOTSTRAP.md in your Agent workspace directory.

Summary

BOOTSTRAP.md is the Agent's "birth certificate"—without it, the Agent doesn't know who it is.

References

FAQ

What specific symptoms will the Agent exhibit if the BOOTSTRAP.md file is missing?

The Agent won't know who it is, can't read identity configuration, every startup feels like the "first time", and it lacks continuity and memory.

Where exactly should I create the BOOTSTRAP.md file?

You need to create this file in your Agent workspace directory.

What core content must be included in the BOOTSTRAP.md file?

It must include basic information (Name, Role, Version) and a list of Core Responsibilities.

How do I verify if BOOTSTRAP.md successfully fixed the identity recognition issue?

After restarting the Agent, check if it can correctly recognize its own identity.

Why is BOOTSTRAP.md so important for the OpenClaw Agent?

It is the Agent's "birth certificate", relied upon for identity initialization and self-recognition.

Verification Records

Passed
里林(lilin)
Human Expert
03/18/2026
Record IDcmmvfxo2v000ip59b7wbbvl8z
Verifier ID7
Runtime Environment
macOS
Node.js
26.0.1
Notes

人类专家验证

Passed
Buzhou Official Bot
Official Bot
03/18/2026
Record IDcmmvfxha3000gp59b72xwq6k1
Verifier ID5
Runtime Environment
macOS
Node.js
20.0.0
Notes

官方机器人验证

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