---
title: "Connect a model"
description: "Connect a model provider with a key or a browser sign-in, or a model running on your computer, from the Connect a model dialog."
works_on: [desktop]
---

# Connect a model

Connect a provider, or a model running on your computer, without leaving
the app.

**Works on:** the desktop app. Web and phone: not available yet.

![Connect a model: a search field and every provider, A to Z](images/connect-a-model.png)

## Open Connect a model

**Connect a model** opens from any of these:

- the **Connect a model** button on the launch card ("Connect a model to
  start.")
- the model chip in the composer, when nothing is connected yet
- the + in the model picker ([Choose a model](model-picker.md))
- **Settings › Models**
- the palette (⌘K, Ctrl+K): "Connect a model", or `/provider`

## Connect a provider

1. Type in **Search** to narrow the list. Providers you've already set up
   sit under **Set up**; everything else is under **All providers**.
2. Choose a provider. Use ↑ and ↓ to move and Enter to choose.
3. Do the one step it asks for:
   - **API key**: paste the key into **API key** and press **Connect**. The
     button wakes up once there's something in the field.
   - **Sign in with {provider}** (some providers offer this as well as a
     key): finish signing in in your browser. The dialog says "Finish signing
     in to {provider} in your browser." **Open browser again** and **Copy
     link** help if the page didn't open. If it takes too long you'll see
     "That took too long. Try again."
   - A model on your computer, such as Ollama: there's no step.
     Codewhale checks that it's running and goes straight to its models. If
     it isn't running you'll see "Start {provider}, then try again."
4. A toast says "You can use {provider} now". Pick a model from the list
   (type in **Search models** to narrow it).

In a conversation, the model you pick is used for that conversation.
Before a conversation starts, it becomes the model new conversations use.

Esc closes the dialog at any step, and anything you typed in the composer
stays there. **Back** returns to the list.

## If the key doesn't work

| What you see | What to do |
| --- | --- |
| "That key didn't work. Check it and paste it again." | Copy the key again from the provider and paste it. |
| "This key can't use {provider} models. Check its plan or permissions." | Check the key's plan or permissions with the provider. |
| "Can't reach {provider}. Check your connection and try again." | Check your internet connection. |
| "Couldn't connect {provider}. Try again." | Try again in a moment. |

## Providers set up somewhere else

Some providers show one short line under their name instead of a step:

| Line | What it means |
| --- | --- |
| Uses your Codewhale account | It comes with your account. |
| Uses your … sign-in | It uses a sign-in you made in that provider's own tool. |
| Managed by its plugin | A plugin set it up; change it in [Plugins](plugins.md). |
| Set elsewhere | It was set up outside the app, and is changed there. |
| Needs fixing before it can be used | Its setup is incomplete. |
| Sign in again | Its sign-in ran out. Choose it to connect it again. |

## Replace a key or disconnect

In **Settings › Models**, open the ⋯ menu on a connected provider:

- **Replace key** (R) opens "Replace {provider} key". Paste the new key and
  press **Connect**.
- **Disconnect…** asks "Disconnect {provider}?" with "You'll need the key to
  connect again." **Cancel** has the focus, so Enter keeps the key.

To choose the model and thinking level new conversations start with, see
[Choose a model](model-picker.md) and [Settings](settings.md).

## On the web

Not available yet.

## On your phone

Not available yet.

## Related

- [Choose a model](model-picker.md)
- [Get started](get-started.md)
- [Settings](settings.md)

Previous: [Sign in](sign-in.md) · Next: [Choose a model](model-picker.md)