---
title: "Tool-loop detection"
description: "Configure optional guardrails for preventing repetitive or stalled tool-call loops"
read_when:
  - A user reports agents getting stuck repeating tool calls
  - You need to tune repetitive-call protection
  - You are editing agent tool/runtime policies
---

# Tool-loop detection

OpenClaw can keep agents from getting stuck in repeated tool-call patterns.
The guard is **disabled by default**.

Enable it only where needed, because it can block legitimate repeated calls with strict settings.

## Why this exists

- Detect repetitive sequences that do not make progress.
- Detect high-frequency no-result loops (same tool, same inputs, repeated errors).
- Detect specific repeated-call patterns for known polling tools.

## Configuration block

Global defaults:

```json5
{
  tools: {
    loopDetection: {
      enabled: false,
      historySize: 20,
      detectorCooldownMs: 12000,
      repeatThreshold: 3,
      criticalThreshold: 6,
      detectors: {
        repeatedFailure: true,
        knownPollLoop: true,
        repeatingNoProgress: true,
      },
    },
  },
}
```

Per-agent override (optional):

```json5
{
  agents: {
    list: [
      {
        id: "safe-runner",
        tools: {
          loopDetection: {
            enabled: true,
            repeatThreshold: 2,
            criticalThreshold: 5,
          },
        },
      },
    ],
  },
}
```

### Field behavior

- `enabled`: Master switch. `false` means no loop detection is performed.
- `historySize`: number of recent tool calls kept for analysis.
- `detectorCooldownMs`: time window used by the no-progress detector.
- `repeatThreshold`: minimum repeats before warning/blocking starts.
- `criticalThreshold`: stronger threshold that can trigger stricter handling.
- `detectors.repeatedFailure`: detects repeated failed attempts on the same call path.
- `detectors.knownPollLoop`: detects known polling-like loops.
- `detectors.repeatingNoProgress`: detects high-frequency repeated calls without state change.

## Recommended setup

- Start with `enabled: true`, defaults unchanged.
- If false positives occur:
  - raise `repeatThreshold` and/or `criticalThreshold`
  - disable only the detector causing issues
  - reduce `historySize` for less strict historical context

## Logs and expected behavior

When a loop is detected, OpenClaw reports a loop event and blocks or dampens the next tool-cycle depending on severity.
This protects users from runaway token spend and lockups while preserving normal tool access.

- Prefer warning and temporary suppression first.
- Escalate only when repeated evidence accumulates.

## Notes

- `tools.loopDetection` is merged with agent-level overrides.
- Per-agent config fully overrides or extends global values.
- If no config exists, guardrails stay off.