How to get an API key
Last updated: 14 November 2026
B1 Buddy works straight away with the free model on your iPhone. To use a bigger AI, such as Google's Gemini, OpenAI (the makers of ChatGPT) or Claude, you connect your own account with that company. The thing that connects it is called an API key.
What is an API key?
It is a long password, made on the AI company's website, that lets an app use your account with them. It looks something like sk-ab12…. You make one, copy it, and paste it into B1 Buddy once.
- It is not your ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini subscription. A subscription to their chat app does not include a key. A key is paid for separately, by use.
- Who charges you? The AI company, not us. A short question usually costs a fraction of a penny. Google's Gemini has a free allowance in many countries.
- Where does the key go? It is kept in your iPhone's Keychain and sent only to that company. We never see it. Never email it to anyone, including us.
It takes about five minutes. It is easiest on a computer, then copy the key to your iPhone; or do it all in Safari on the iPhone.
Gemini (Google) Can be free
The quickest one, and the only one that may cost nothing.
- Go to aistudio.google.com and sign in with your Google account.
- Choose Get API key, then Create API key.
- Copy the key.
In many countries Google gives a free allowance with no card needed. If it asks you to set up billing, it is not free where you are. On the free allowance, Google may use what you send to improve its products; its own terms say more.
OpenAI
The company that makes ChatGPT. The key is separate from a ChatGPT subscription.
- Go to platform.openai.com and make an account (or sign in). It may ask you to confirm your email and phone number.
- Open Billing, add a payment card and add some credit. The smallest amount is about 5 US dollars, and it is used up a little with each message.
- Open API keys and choose Create new secret key. Give it a name such as "B1 Buddy".
- Copy the key straight away. It starts with
sk-and is shown only once. If you lose it, make a new one.
Claude (Anthropic)
The key comes from the Claude Console, which is separate from the Claude app and its subscriptions.
- Go to console.anthropic.com and make an account (or sign in).
- Open Billing and buy some credit. The smallest amount is about 5 US dollars, and it is used up a little with each message.
- Open API keys and choose Create key. Give it a name such as "B1 Buddy".
- Copy the key straight away. It starts with
sk-ant-and is shown only once. If you lose it, make a new one.
Add the key to B1 Buddy
- Open B1 Buddy and tap the cog on the chat list to open Settings.
- Tap B1's brains (it uses your buddy's name), then Add a brain.
- Choose Gemini, OpenAI or Claude.
- Paste your key and tap Test connection.
- When it says it works, pick a model and tap Save.
The first time you chat with it, B1 shows you who will receive your messages and asks before anything is sent. You can switch brain in any chat.
If it doesn't work
- "The key was not accepted": copy it again, making sure nothing is missing from either end. Keys are long.
- It worked, then stopped: with OpenAI or Claude your credit has probably run out. Add more under Billing on their website.
- Gemini says the free allowance isn't available: it is not offered in every country. You can set up billing in Google AI Studio instead.
- Worried about cost? Each company lets you set a spending limit on its Billing page. To stop a key working for good, delete it on their website.
The companies change their websites from time to time, so a button may have moved or been renamed. Look for the words API keys and Billing.
You can also ask B1 in the app: "How do I get an API key?" Still stuck? See support.
OpenAI, ChatGPT, Anthropic, Claude, Google and Gemini are names of their owners. B1 Buddy is not made by or connected with them.