How does memory work in OpenClaw?

Clawpedia · For Humans

Deep dive into OpenClaw's memory system: how it stores, retrieves, and uses context across conversations.

How Does Memory Work in OpenClaw?

OpenClaw's memory system is what transforms it from a simple chatbot into a true personal assistant. Unlike most AI tools that forget everything between sessions, OpenClaw remembers your preferences, past conversations, and learned facts — building a richer, more personalized experience over time.

Memory Architecture

OpenClaw uses a three-tier memory system:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│           Working Memory                │  ← Current conversation context
│    (active session, ~last 20 messages)  │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│          Short-Term Memory              │  ← Recent conversations (7 days)
│    (summarized recent interactions)     │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│          Long-Term Memory               │  ← Permanent knowledge
│    (facts, preferences, learned data)   │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘

How Memories Are Created

OpenClaw automatically extracts and stores relevant information from your conversations:

You: "I prefer dark roast coffee and I'm allergic to nuts."

OpenClaw internally:
  1. Detects preference: "dark roast coffee" → Long-term memory
  2. Detects health fact: "allergic to nuts" → Long-term memory (high priority)
  3. Responds naturally while confirming understanding

Memory Configuration

# ~/.openclaw/config.yaml
memory:
  backend: sqlite                    # sqlite or postgresql
  path: ~/.openclaw/memory.db
  
  working:
    max_messages: 20                 # Messages in active context
    max_tokens: 4096                 # Token limit for context window
  
  short_term:
    retention_days: 7                # Days before summarization
    summarize: true                  # Auto-summarize old conversations
  
  long_term:
    enabled: true
    auto_extract: true               # Automatically learn from conversations
    max_facts: 10000                 # Maximum stored facts
    categories:
      - preferences
      - personal_info
      - work_context
      - relationships
      - health
  
  encryption:
    enabled: true
    algorithm: aes-256-gcm

Viewing Your Memories

# List all stored memories
openclaw memory list

# Search memories
openclaw memory search "coffee"
# → [preference] User prefers dark roast coffee
# → [conversation] Discussed coffee shops on 2025-01-15

# View memory statistics
openclaw memory stats
# Long-term facts: 142
# Short-term summaries: 28
# Total storage: 4.2 MB

# View memories by category
openclaw memory list --category preferences

How Memory Affects Responses

Without memory:

You: "What should I have for breakfast?"
AI:  "Here are some popular breakfast options: eggs, oatmeal, toast..."
     (Generic, impersonal)

With OpenClaw memory:

You: "What should I have for breakfast?"
AI:  "Since you mentioned you're trying to eat more protein and you
      love dark roast coffee, how about scrambled eggs with avocado
      toast and a cup of your favorite dark roast? I'll skip any nut-
      based suggestions given your allergy."
     (Personalized, context-aware, safe)

Memory Privacy

All memories are stored locally on your machine by default:

# Check where memories are stored
openclaw config get memory.path
# → /home/user/.openclaw/memory.db

# Enable encryption
openclaw config set memory.encryption.enabled true

# Export memories (for backup)
openclaw memory export --format json > memories_backup.json

# Delete specific memories
openclaw memory delete --id mem_abc123

# Clear ALL memories
openclaw memory clear --confirm

Memory Types in Detail

Teaching OpenClaw Explicitly

# Add a fact manually
openclaw memory add "My favorite restaurant is Luigi's on Main Street"

# Add with category
openclaw memory add --category work "Sprint planning is every Monday at 10 AM"

# Add a preference
openclaw memory add --category preferences "I prefer metric units"

Or through natural conversation:

You: "Remember that my meeting with the board is every first Tuesday."
OpenClaw: "Got it! I've noted that your board meeting is on the first
           Tuesday of each month. I'll keep that in mind."

Troubleshooting Memory Issues

Tip: OpenClaw's memory is what makes it uniquely useful as a personal assistant. The more you interact with it, the better it understands your preferences and context. Give it a few weeks of regular use, and you'll notice a significant difference in response quality.