How to Use GLM 5 with OpenClaw
Z.ai's GLM 5 is a powerful model with strong reasoning, coding, and multilingual capabilities. Connect it to your OpenClaw instance in minutes via OpenRouter and control it through WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, or Slack.
Why Use GLM 5 with OpenClaw?
GLM 5 brings strong reasoning and multilingual intelligence to your self-hosted AI agent at competitive pricing.
Deep Reasoning
GLM 5 delivers strong logical reasoning and multi-step problem solving, making it well-suited for complex AI agent tasks that require planning and analysis.
Multilingual Support
Excellent Chinese and English bilingual performance with broad multilingual capabilities across many other languages.
Coding Proficiency
Handles code generation, debugging, and technical workflows with high accuracy — ideal for DevOps automation and development tasks.
Reliable Tool Use
GLM 5 supports structured tool calling required by OpenClaw's agent framework, enabling reliable interaction with shell, files, and web browsing.
Cost-Effective via OpenRouter
Access GLM 5 through OpenRouter at competitive per-token pricing. One API key gives you GLM 5 plus hundreds of other models — no separate Z.ai account needed.
Fast Inference
Low-latency responses mean your OpenClaw agent replies quickly through WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, or Slack.
Setup in 4 Steps
Get GLM 5 running as your OpenClaw agent via OpenRouter in under five minutes.
Get Your OpenRouter API Key
Sign up at openrouter.ai, navigate to the API Keys section, and generate a new key. OpenRouter gives you access to GLM 5 and hundreds of other models with a single key — no separate Z.ai account required.
Open the DeployClaw Dashboard
Log in to app.deployclaw.com and open your OpenClaw instance. Navigate to the Agents tab from the top menu.
Add a New Agent
Click "+ Add Agent", select "OpenRouter" as the provider, paste your API key and click Verify. Then choose "Z.ai GLM 5" from the Model dropdown.
Configure and Deploy
Give your agent a name (e.g., "glm-agent") and click "Add Agent" to save. Your OpenClaw instance will now route messages to GLM 5 through OpenRouter.
That's it. Your OpenClaw agent is now powered by GLM 5. Send it a message through any connected platform to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GLM 5?
GLM 5 is a large language model developed by Z.ai (Zhipu AI). It offers strong reasoning, coding, and multilingual capabilities, making it a capable choice for AI agent workflows.
Why use OpenRouter instead of Z.ai's API directly?
OpenRouter gives you access to GLM 5 and hundreds of other models with a single API key and unified billing. No need to create a separate Z.ai account. You can also switch models instantly without changing provider settings.
How much does GLM 5 cost through OpenRouter?
OpenRouter charges per token at competitive rates based on the model. You pay OpenRouter for API usage and DeployClaw separately for the deployment platform. Check openrouter.ai for current GLM 5 pricing.
Can I switch between GLM 5 and other models?
Absolutely. Since you're using OpenRouter, switching models is as easy as changing the model selection in your agent settings. Try GLM 5, Claude, GPT, Llama, or any other model — all through the same API key.
Does GLM 5 work with all OpenClaw features?
Yes. GLM 5 works with all OpenClaw capabilities including shell access, file management, web browsing, and messaging platform integrations. It supports tool calling required by OpenClaw's agent framework.
Is my data sent to Z.ai?
When using GLM 5 via OpenRouter, messages are routed through OpenRouter to Z.ai for inference. If data privacy is a concern, you can run a local model via Ollama instead. OpenClaw supports both cloud and local models.
Start using GLM 5 with OpenClaw
Deploy your own AI agent powered by Z.ai's latest model via OpenRouter.