Connect your API keys
AISiteVolt is a bring-your-own-key (BYOK) plugin: every AI call goes directly from your server to the provider, billed to your own account. The free plugin works with OpenAI; Pro adds seven more providers.
AISiteVolt can also use a model running on your own machine — see Run AI locally. No key, no bill, nothing leaves your server.
Step 1 — Create an OpenAI API key
- Sign in (or sign up) at platform.openai.com.
- Open API keys and click Create new secret key.
- Copy the key — it starts with
sk-and is shown only once. - Add a small amount of credit under Billing (a few dollars goes a long way: a full blog post typically costs a few cents).
Step 2 — Add the key to AISiteVolt
- In WordPress, go to AISiteVolt → Settings → API Keys.
- Paste the key into the OpenAI API Key field.
- Click Save Settings.
Saved keys are stored in your WordPress database and displayed masked (********) afterwards — leaving the field masked and saving again keeps the stored key.
Step 3 — Test the connection
Click Test OpenAI Connection under the key field. You should see "Connection successful!". If not, see Troubleshooting.
Choosing models
On the Models tab you can pick the default text model (GPT-4o, GPT-4o Mini, the GPT-5.x family…) and the image model (GPT Image). OpenAI models are never restricted in the free plugin — new models appear in the dropdowns as we ship updates. Most tools also let you override the model per run.
Understanding costs
- Every generation shows its token usage and estimated cost; the Dashboard and Settings → Advanced show totals per user and site-wide (30 days).
- Batch actions (Bulk Content, Repair All, autopilots) show a cost estimate confirmation before spending.
- Pro adds hard monthly spend/token limits, including per-role limits.
Never paste API keys into support emails or public forums. If a key leaks, revoke it in the provider dashboard and create a new one — then update it in Settings.