Connect an API key or subscription, then choose a main model to use your own AI. Each mate has separate settings.

Where to go

Open Mate Settings → choose a running mate → AI Model → Manage my AI accounts and subscriptions → Add account or API.

Choose a method

Method	Options and costs
API key	OpenAI, DeepSeek, OpenRouter or Google Gemini; billed by provider API usage.
Subscription	ChatGPT or SuperGrok; subject to account eligibility, allowance and limits.

AI costs are separate from your realvco subscription. Check your subscription record for any one-time starter credit; connect your own account when it runs out. For a missing entry or provider, contact support.

Connect an API key

Create a usable key on the provider’s website (OpenAI guide).
Select Provider, paste the API key and select Verify and save.
Wait for the result. If saved, choose a model. If rejected and not saved, check the provider and full key. If online verification was unavailable, the key was saved but still needs a model check.

Paste keys only into settings, never chats or support messages. Keys are stored in the host’s mate settings and may appear in core state backups. Keep backups private.

Link a subscription account

Choose OpenAI (ChatGPT subscription) or xAI Grok (SuperGrok subscription), then Link ChatGPT account or Link SuperGrok account.
Click the code or Copy code, open the displayed URL, sign in to the intended account and approve the code. If copying fails, select and copy it manually.
Keep the dashboard on this mate’s authorization page. After linking, refresh to confirm it remains linked, then choose a model.

Use Start over for an expired code or Link again to change accounts. If linking cannot start, retry later; contact support if it persists.

Choose the model

In Model order, add this provider’s model and select Make main. Follow Change AI models for the steps. Check the current model and provider, then get a reply in a new chat.

If the model list is unavailable, try Add backup later without repeating authorization.

View and remove connections

Find the account or API connection under Current connections:

Change any main model, backup or tool still using it, then select Reload.
Select Remove, read the impact, tick the confirmation and continue.
Wait for removal confirmation, then reload. If uncertain, check the state before retrying.

Removal only unlinks this mate. It does not cancel an external subscription or revoke the provider’s key. Manage external billing with the provider.

If work or authorization is in progress, or usage is unclear, follow the notice first. Connections that cannot be removed here need their original settings or support.

Credit and restore problems

See AI credit and authorization problems. Core state restores may bring back old AI settings and credentials; check access afterward and reconnect if needed.

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