Debug macOS Network Readiness for Hermes and OpenClaw in BenAgent
Diagnose BenAgent runtime readiness issues when Hermes or OpenClaw is running but macOS, endpoint auth mode, private network, or sandbox settings block the request.
When BenAgent cannot reach Hermes or OpenClaw, the fix is usually not in the prompt. Treat it as a runtime readiness problem and move through the layers: process, URL, endpoint path, private network boundary, macOS permission, then model response.
Debug in this order
Check that the runtime is running
The local URL cannot answer if the gateway process is stopped.
hermes gateway status
openclaw gateway statusCheck the provider values in BenAgent
Hermes and OpenClaw use different default ports. A reachable host with the wrong port still fails.
Check the endpoint path
BenAgent defaults to /v1/chat/completions for both providers. Hermes can also support Responses-style continuation if you intentionally configure that endpoint.
Check the endpoint auth mode
A 401 or unauthorized response means the runtime and BenAgent do not agree on authentication. Either keep a supported no-auth route on loopback or save the matching provider Bearer token in Settings.
Symptom map
- Connection refused: the process is not listening on the host and port BenAgent uses.
- 404 not found: the endpoint path is wrong or that gateway route is disabled.
- 401 unauthorized: the runtime expects a different token or auth mode than the selected provider has in BenAgent.
- Empty reply: the runtime accepted the request but did not return a supported reply shape.
- Works in terminal but not in BenAgent: compare the exact URL, selected provider, and whether both clients use the same Bearer token or no-auth mode.
Known local values
Hermes base URL: http://127.0.0.1:8642
Hermes endpoint: /v1/chat/completions
OpenClaw base URL: http://127.0.0.1:18789
OpenClaw endpoint: /v1/chat/completionsmacOS-specific checks
BenAgent is a sandboxed macOS app and needs outbound network access to call local or remote runtimes. If you are testing a development build, verify the app has the network client entitlement and that local firewall or VPN software is not blocking loopback traffic.
Ready to bring agent-first work to your Mac?
Install BenAgent, connect Hermes or OpenClaw, verify the endpoint and its access boundary, then delegate one safe result you can review before relying on longer work.