Troubleshooting
Common issues and how to fix them
Molty requires Node.js 22 or higher
The installer usually handles this, but if you need to upgrade manually:
# Using nvm (recommended)
nvm install 22
nvm use 22
nvm alias default 22
# Or using NodeSource
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt-get install -y nodejsAfter upgrading, verify with: node --version
Permission denied when installing global packages
The installer usually fixes this automatically. If you still see it:
mkdir -p ~/.npm-global
npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'Then add to your shell profile (~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc):
export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATHApply the changes:
source ~/.bashrcThe clawdbot command is not recognized
Your PATH might not include the install location. Try:
source ~/.bashrc
# or
source ~/.zshrcOr log out and back in. If that doesn't work, check where npm installs global packages:
npm config get prefixMake sure that path + /bin is in your PATH.
Can't access the Molty dashboard in browser
The dashboard only listens on localhost (127.0.0.1:18789) for security. You need an SSH tunnel:
ssh -L 18789:127.0.0.1:18789 clawd@YOUR_SERVER_IPThen open in your browser: http://127.0.0.1:18789
Make sure you're opening a NEW terminal window for the tunnel while keeping your server connection open.
Molty service is not active
Check the status and health:
clawdbot status
clawdbot health
clawdbot doctorIf the daemon isn't running, try restarting it:
clawdbot stop
clawdbot startCheck logs for errors:
clawdbot logsHitting rate limits with the AI provider
If you're hitting API rate limits frequently:
- Reduce message frequency (add cooldown between messages)
- Use a lighter model for routine tasks
- Switch to Claude subscription + token (Lane 1) for much higher practical limits
- Consider local models (Lane 3) for heavy automation workloads
The Claude subscription token method (Lane 1) has significantly higher rate limits than API keys for conversational use.
QR code doesn't appear or can't be scanned
Try these steps:
- Refresh the dashboard page
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Try a different browser
- Check if WhatsApp Web is blocked on your network
- Make sure no other WhatsApp Web sessions are active
If the QR was scanned but WhatsApp stops responding, re-scan the QR code in the dashboard.
Installation fails with memory errors
Molty requires at least 2GB RAM. If you have a 1GB VPS:
- Recommended: Upgrade to a 2GB+ plan
- Or create a swap file (slower, not recommended for production):
sudo fallocate -l 2G /swapfile
sudo chmod 600 /swapfile
sudo mkswap /swapfile
sudo swapon /swapfileSwap is much slower than RAM. For best performance, use a VPS with at least 2GB RAM.