diff --git a/docs/channels/ambient-room-events.md b/docs/channels/ambient-room-events.md
index 55f5235c2b9e..db08e01b097e 100644
--- a/docs/channels/ambient-room-events.md
+++ b/docs/channels/ambient-room-events.md
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ Two settings silently disable ambient room events even when `unmentionedInbound:
 
 Check the effective surface with `openclaw agents list` and a probe turn rather than assuming the profile includes it.
 
-After saving the config, the Gateway hot-applies `messages` settings. Restart only when file watching or config reload is disabled (`gateway.reload.mode: "off"`).
+After saving the config, the Gateway hot-applies `messages` settings. With `gateway.reload.mode: "off"`, restart manually to apply the change.
 
 ## What changes
 
diff --git a/docs/gateway/configuration.md b/docs/gateway/configuration.md
index 14bcdc3a1fe8..fd3618dbff29 100644
--- a/docs/gateway/configuration.md
+++ b/docs/gateway/configuration.md
@@ -535,10 +535,10 @@ for the checklist.
 
 ### Reload modes
 
-| Mode                   | Behavior                                                                      |
-| ---------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
-| **`hybrid`** (default) | Hot-applies safe changes instantly. Automatically restarts for critical ones. |
-| **`off`**              | Disables file watching. Changes take effect on the next manual restart.       |
+| Mode                   | Behavior                                                                                                                             |
+| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
+| **`hybrid`** (default) | Hot-applies safe changes instantly. Automatically restarts for critical ones.                                                        |
+| **`off`**              | Keeps watching and validating source changes and notifying clients, but does not apply them. Runtime changes require manual restart. |
 
 ```json5
 {