Setup Your AI Provider

Plexi's Chat feature needs an AI provider to answer your questions.

An API key is like a private password that lets Plexi use an AI model from your account. You only need to set it up once on a device.

You need an API key if you want to use Plexi AI capabilities

Recommended Option

Start with Gemini (Google) because it is simple to set up and usually has a free tier.

You can also use OpenRouter, Groq, Mistral, Anthropic, or OpenAI if you already have an account with them.

Supported Providers

Provider in Plexi	Good for	Key page
Gemini (Google)	Most students, free starting option	https://aistudio.google.com/app/apikey
OpenRouter (Free)	Trying free community models	https://openrouter.ai/keys
Groq	Fast responses, free tier availability may vary	https://console.groq.com/keys
Mistral	Paid or limited account use	https://console.mistral.ai/api-keys/
Anthropic	Claude models	https://console.anthropic.com/settings/keys
OpenAI	GPT models	https://platform.openai.com/api-keys

Provider limits and prices can change, so check the provider's own website before adding billing details.

Get a Gemini API Key

1. Open https://aistudio.google.com/app/apikey
2. Sign in with your Google account.
3. Click Create API key or Get API key.
4. Copy the key.

Get a Groq API Key

1. Open https://console.groq.com/keys
2. Sign in with your Google account.
3. Click Create API key or Get API key.
4. Add a Expiration Time.
5. Copy the key.

Get a OpenRouter API Key

1. Open https://openrouter.ai/workspaces/default/keys
2. Sign in with your Google account.
3. Click Create API key or Get API key.
4. Add a Expiration Time.
5. Copy the key.

Get a Mistral API Key

1. Open https://console.mistral.ai/home
2. Sign in with your Google account.
3. From left sidebar select API Keys.
4. Click Add a new key.
5. Add a Expiration Time.
6. Copy the key.

Get a OpenAI API Key

1. Open https://platform.openai.com/api-keys
2. Sign in with your Google account.
3. Click Create new secret key.
4. set permission to All.
5. Copy the key.

Get a Anthropic API Key

1. Open https://platform.claude.com/settings/keys
2. Sign in with your Google account.
3. Click Create key.
4. Copy the key.

Note: Keep it private. Do not post it in GitHub Issues, WhatsApp groups, screenshots, or public chats.

Add the Key in Plexi

1. Open Plexi: https://plexi.cosmeta.tech
2. Click the Settings icon.
3. Select your provider (e.g.: Google, OpenAI, etc).
4. Select a model(Use the default model unless you already know which one you want).
5. Paste your API key.
6. Keep Remember on this device enabled if this is your own laptop or phone.
7. Click Save Settings.

What "Remember on This Device" Means

If enabled, Plexi saves your provider, model, and API key in your browser's local storage.

This means:

• You do not need to paste the key every time.
• The key stays on that browser and device.
• If you clear browser data, use another browser, or switch devices, you may need to add it again.

If you are on a shared college lab computer, turn this option off or clear settings after use.

Common Errors

Error	What it usually means	What to try
Invalid API key	The key is wrong, incomplete, expired, or for a different provider.	Copy the full key again and confirm the selected provider.
Rate limit exceeded	Too many requests were sent in a short time.	Wait a minute and try again.
Quota exceeded	Your provider's free or paid limit is over.	Wait for reset, switch provider, or check your provider account.
Payload too large	The selected model cannot handle the amount of material context.	Ask a more specific question or use a larger-context model.
Failed to reach provider	The AI provider may be down or blocked by network settings.	Try again later or switch provider.

Safety Rules

• Never share your API key publicly.
• Do not upload screenshots that show your key.
• Do not paste your key into GitHub Issues when asking for help.
• If you accidentally shared a key, delete it from the provider dashboard and create a new one.

Next: Using the AI Assistant