How to Get an OpenAI API Key

<p>Use this guide if an app asks you for an OpenAI API key.</p> <h2 id="what-you-need">What You Need</h2><ul> <li>An OpenAI account.</li> <li>Access to the OpenAI Platform, not just ChatGPT.</li> <li>A payment method if OpenAI asks you to set up billing before using the API.</li> </ul> <h2 id="step-by-step">Step by Step</h2><ol> <li>Go to platform.openai.com.</li> <li>Sign in with your OpenAI account.</li> <li>Open the API keys page: platform.openai.com/api-keys.</li> <li>If OpenAI asks you to choose or create an organization or project, follow the prompts.</li> <li>Select the option to create a new secret key.</li> <li>Give the key a clear name, such as &quot;My website&quot; or the name of the app you are connecting.</li> <li>Create the key.</li> <li>Copy the key immediately.</li> <li>Paste it into the app or service that asked for your OpenAI key.</li> <li>Save your changes in that app.</li> </ol> <h2 id="if-you-cannot-create-a-key">If You Cannot Create a Key</h2><p>Check these common issues:</p> <ul> <li>You may need to add billing in the OpenAI Platform.</li> <li>You may be signed into the wrong OpenAI account.</li> <li>You may not have permission in the selected organization or project.</li> <li>Your account may need email or phone verification.</li> </ul> <h2 id="important-safety-notes">Important Safety Notes</h2><p>OpenAI only shows the full secret key when you create it. If you close the page before copying it, create a new key and use the new one.</p> <p>Do not share your key publicly. If you think the key was exposed, delete it on the API keys page and create a replacement.</p> <h2 id="official-source">Official Source</h2><p>OpenAI says API keys can be created and managed from the official API key page, and that the full secret key is only shown when it is created.</p> <p>Source: OpenAI help center</p>