openclaw - 💡(How to fix) Fix [Bug]: Device re-approval fails with unknown requestId — requires gateway restart to self-heal [1 comments, 2 participants]

Problem Summary

After a device metadata upgrade (e.g. platform version change from macOS 26.4.1 → 26.5.0), the gateway requires re-approval for an already-paired device. Attempting to approve the pending request via CLI fails with:

GatewayClientRequestError: unknown requestId

Steps to Reproduce

1. Device already paired and working
2. Platform version changes (e.g. macOS update changes metadata)
3. Gateway creates a "re-approval, repair" pending request
4. Run: openclaw devices approve <requestId> → fails with unknown requestId
5. Gateway restart resolves the issue (device auto-reconnects and re-authenticates)

Observed Log

security audit: device metadata upgrade requested reason=metadata-upgrade
device=46d266be... claimedPlatform=macOS 26.5.0 pinnedPlatform=macOS 26.4.1
...
code=1008 reason=pairing required: device identity changed and must be re-approved

Expected Behavior

• openclaw devices approve should successfully approve the pending request
• Or the device should auto-recover without requiring gateway restart

Environment

• OpenClaw 2026.5.7 (eeef486)
• macOS 26.5.0 (arm64)
• Gateway: LaunchAgent, loopback mode
• CLI → Gateway communication fails with unknown requestId before restart

Workaround

Restarting the gateway (openclaw gateway restart) causes the device to reconnect and re-authenticate successfully without manual approval needed.