# Which AI key do I need, and where do I add it?

Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-ai-key  
Section: AI replies  
Works on: Web app  
Plan: Trendsetter and above  
Last checked: 2026-10-24

_Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_

**Short answer:** Get an API key from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google (Gemini) or DeepSeek, then open Account Settings, go to the AI Configuration tab, paste it into that provider's card and click Save. Check Status only tests the key, it doesn't save it. You pay the AI provider for usage. The key is used by the AI Reply step in flows, on Trendsetter and above.

An **API key** is a long code from your AI provider that lets InstantDM send your followers' messages to that AI and get answers back, billed to your provider account.

## Before you start

- Create an API key in your AI provider's developer account and add billing there.
- Supported providers: **OpenAI**, **Anthropic** (Claude), **Google (Gemini)** and **DeepSeek**.
- The key is used by the **AI Reply** step in Flow Automation, which needs **Trendsetter and above**.

## Steps

1. Click **Account Settings** at the bottom of the left sidebar.
2. Click the **AI Configuration** tab. It says "API keys for AI providers used by the AI Reply node in your flows."
3. Paste your key into the card for your provider:
   - **OpenAI** (key starts with `sk-...`)
   - **Anthropic** (starts with `sk-ant-...`)
   - **Google (Gemini)** (starts with `AIza...`)
   - **DeepSeek** (starts with `sk-...`)
4. Click **Save** at the top right of the Settings window.
5. Click **Check Status**. Each card shows a status (see the table).
6. In your flow, open the **AI Reply** step and choose the same provider under **Provider**. There, Anthropic is listed as **Claude** and Google as **Gemini**.

## What the status means

| Status | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| **● Active** | The key works. For Anthropic this also means the account can be billed. For OpenAI, Gemini and DeepSeek it only means the key is valid | If the AI doesn't reply, check your balance with the provider |
| **● Invalid Key** | The provider rejected the key | Copy the key again, paste, **Save** |
| **● No Credits** | No funds on the account (Anthropic and DeepSeek only) | Add funds with the provider |
| **● No Credits / Rate Limited** | No funds, or the provider is slowing the key down | Add funds or wait |
| **● error_...** or **● connection_error** | Another problem | Try again later |

## Which key for which job

- The **AI Reply** step uses the key of the provider you pick in that step.
- **Voice notes** from customers are turned into text with your OpenAI key, or your Gemini key if you have no OpenAI key. This happens even if the AI Reply step uses Claude or DeepSeek. Without either key, the AI asks the person to type instead.
- **Photos** sent in earlier messages are remembered with a short description made with your OpenAI or Gemini key.

## On the phone app

You can't add AI keys in the InstantDM app. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com.

## Good to know

- You pay your AI provider for every AI reply, follow-up, voice-note transcription and photo description. InstantDM can't show this cost. Check your provider's billing page.
- **Check Status** tests whatever is typed in the boxes, even if you haven't saved it. Always click **Save**.
- One key per provider. There's no field for an organisation ID or a custom server address.
- Keys belong to the account you're in. If you manage several accounts, open **AI Configuration** in each account that needs AI.
- Treat your API key like a password. Don't paste it into messages or AI instructions.

## What you can't do

- Use InstantDM's own AI key for DM replies.
- Use providers other than OpenAI, Anthropic, Google (Gemini) and DeepSeek.
- Buy AI credits from InstantDM.

## If it doesn't work

- **"AI API key missing"** when you click **Set Live** → the key for the provider chosen in the AI Reply step isn't saved. Paste it and click **Save**.
- **● Active, but the AI never replies** → add funds with the provider. Then see [AI replies to DMs](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ai-reply-to-dms.md).
- **The AI ignores voice notes** → you use Claude or DeepSeek without an OpenAI or Gemini key. Add one of those keys too.

## Questions people also ask

**Is my ChatGPT Plus subscription enough?**

No. ChatGPT Plus is a chat subscription, not an API key. You need an API key with billing from the provider's developer account.

**My key shows Active but the AI doesn't reply. Why?**

For OpenAI, Gemini and DeepSeek, Active only means the key is valid. It doesn't prove the account has credit. Add funds with the provider.

**I added credit to Anthropic and it still says No Credits.**

The card itself says: 'Claude credits may take 30 min to a few hours to update after adding funds.' Wait and click Check Status again.

**Do I need a key for DM Insights or Build with AI?**

No. Neither uses your key. The key is only for the AI Reply step in flows.

## Related guides

- [How do I make AI reply to my Instagram DMs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ai-reply-to-dms.md)
- [How do I control what the AI says?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/control-what-ai-says.md)
- [What InstantDM plan should I choose?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need.md)
- [How do I turn a flow on, and what do the Set Live errors mean?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md)