Connect your own AI account with an API key or subscription authorization, then choose a model and make it main. Account connection and model selection are separate steps.

Where to go

Open Mate Settings → choose the running mate → AI Model → Add my own AI account or subscription. Each mate has her own settings.

Method	Dashboard options	Billing
API key	OpenAI, DeepSeek, OpenRouter, Google Gemini	The provider’s API pricing and usage rules.
Subscription	ChatGPT or SuperGrok subscription	The account’s eligibility, allowance and limits.

AI service costs are separate from the realvco host subscription. If your subscription includes one-time starter credit, check its applicable terms in your account. Contact support for a provider not listed.

Connect an API key

Create a usable key on your provider’s official website. For OpenAI, see the official guide.
Choose Provider in the dashboard and paste the API key.
Select Verify and save. Wait for processing and read the result.

Paste keys only into settings fields. Keys are stored in this host’s mate settings and may also appear in core state backups. Keep those backups private.

A saved key is ready for model selection. A rejected key was not saved. If online verification was unavailable, saving alone does not establish usability; check the model afterward.

Link a subscription account

Choose OpenAI (ChatGPT subscription) or xAI Grok (SuperGrok subscription).
Select Link ChatGPT account or Link SuperGrok account.
Use Copy code, open the displayed URL, sign in to the intended account and approve the code.
Keep the dashboard on this mate’s authorization page while it waits.
When linked, refresh and check the linked state remains, then choose the model.

Expired codes need Start over. Use Link again to change accounts. Retry later if linking cannot start; contact support if it persists.

Choose the model

Under Model order, use Add backup, choose this provider and a model, select Add, then Make main and confirm. See Change AI models for saving details.

Check the current model and provider, then get a reply in a new conversation. If the model list is temporarily unavailable, try Add backup later without repeating authorization.

Credit and restore problems

See AI credit and authorization problems to distinguish exhausted credit, rejected keys and expired access. Restoring core state may restore older AI settings and credentials. Check access after a restore and reconnect if needed.

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