Get your OpenAI API key

OpenAI API keys give you access to the entire GPT model family. You need an OpenAI Platform account — this is separate from a ChatGPT Plus subscription.

Step-by-step guide

1

Create an OpenAI Platform Account

Go to platform.openai.com and sign up.

1. Go to https://platform.openai.com
2. Click "Sign up" (or "Log in" if you already have an account)
3. Register using email + password, or sign in with Google / Microsoft / Apple
4. Verify your email address if prompted

You can use existing ChatGPT credentials — accounts are shared — but billing is separate.

2

Verify Your Phone Number (New Users Only)

One-time phone verification required.

1. Navigate to API Keys under the Dashboard (left sidebar)
2. Click "Start Verification"
3. Enter your phone number
4. Input the verification code sent via SMS

VoIP and landline numbers may not work.

3

Set Up Billing

Add a payment method and purchase credits.

1. Go to Settings (gear icon) → Billing
2. Click "Add payment method" and enter your card details
3. Purchase at least $5 in credits (the minimum top-up)
4. Optionally set a monthly spending limit to avoid surprise charges

The free tier exists but is very limited (3 requests/minute). Adding even $5 unlocks Tier 1 with 500 requests/minute.

4

Create a New API Key

Generate your secret key from the API Keys page.

1. Go to https://platform.openai.com/api-keys
2. Click "Create new secret key"
3. Name: Give it a descriptive name (e.g., "Mykey Chat")
4. Project: Select your project (or "Default project")
5. Permissions: Choose "All" for full access
6. Click "Create secret key"

5

Copy and Save Your Key

Your key is shown only once — copy it immediately.

1. Copy the key immediately — it is shown only once
2. Format: sk-proj-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx...
3. Store it securely in a password manager or .env file
4. Never commit it to version control or share it publicly

If you close the dialog without copying, you must delete the key and create a new one.

6

Add Your Key to Mykey.chat

Connect your key in Mykey settings.

1. In Mykey.chat, go to Settings → API Keys
2. Select OpenAI as the provider
3. Paste your API key
4. Click Save — the key is encrypted with AES-256

Common issues

Frequently asked questions