How to Get an OpenAI API Key
At a Glance
- Target Audience
- Developers and app builders integrating AI features into websites or applications
- Problem Solved
- Locating or generating the correct OpenAI API key when an external app or service requires it for integration
- Use Case
- Connecting custom apps, websites, or tools to OpenAI models via API
Use this guide if an app asks you for an OpenAI API key.
What You Need
- An OpenAI account.
- Access to the OpenAI Platform, not just ChatGPT.
- A payment method if OpenAI asks you to set up billing before using the API.
Step by Step
- Go to platform.openai.com.
- Sign in with your OpenAI account.
- Open the API keys page: platform.openai.com/api-keys.
- If OpenAI asks you to choose or create an organization or project, follow the prompts.
- Select the option to create a new secret key.
- Give the key a clear name, such as "My website" or the name of the app you are connecting.
- Create the key.
- Copy the key immediately.
- Paste it into the app or service that asked for your OpenAI key.
- Save your changes in that app.
If You Cannot Create a Key
Check these common issues:
- You may need to add billing in the OpenAI Platform.
- You may be signed into the wrong OpenAI account.
- You may not have permission in the selected organization or project.
- Your account may need email or phone verification.
Important Safety Notes
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.
Do not share your key publicly. If you think the key was exposed, delete it on the API keys page and create a replacement.
Official Source
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.
Source: OpenAI help center