Get an API key for AI features

AI call summaries, the AI Briefing, call diagnosis and Ellis (when it uses the Saved API key) run on an API key from an AI provider that you own. The provider bills your account for what you use. This page shows how to get a key from each supported provider and add it to VoxaLink.

An API key isn't the same as a chat subscription
A ChatGPT, Claude or Grok chat plan doesn't include API access. API usage is billed separately, by the provider, to the account that owns the key. (To use your ChatGPT or Grok subscription with Ellis instead, see Use Ellis with your own ChatGPT or Grok subscription.)

Treat the key like a password. Anyone with it can spend money on your account. If one is ever exposed, delete it in the provider's console and create a new one.

Add the key to VoxaLink

1. Open Settings → General → LLM.
2. In the AI Summary card, choose the Provider and paste the key into API key.
3. Select Test connection. When it says Connection OK, choose a Model.
4. If the model supports it, a Reasoning effort setting appears. Provider default is a good starting point. Higher effort can improve results but costs more and takes longer.
5. Select Save.

If your workspace is managed by a reseller, your reseller sets the provider and key for you.

OpenAI

1. Sign in to the OpenAI Platform and pick the right organisation and project at the top of the page.
2. Go to Settings → Organization → Billing (billing overview) and select Add payment details. New accounts buy prepaid credit (minimum US$5). You can turn on auto-reload so it tops up automatically.
3. Go to API keys for your project and select + Create new secret key. Give it a name you'll recognise, like "VoxaLink".
4. Copy the key straight away. OpenAI only shows it once.

Anthropic (Claude)

1. Sign in to the Claude Console.
2. Go to Settings → Billing and select Buy credits. You can also set up auto-reload. You need to be an admin or billing user on the account.
3. Go to Settings → API keys and select Create key. Give it a name and, if asked, choose the workspace it belongs to.
4. Copy the key straight away. Anthropic only shows it once.

Google Gemini

1. Sign in to Google AI Studio and accept the terms.
2. Open API keys. New users usually get a default project and key. To use an existing Google Cloud project, choose Import projects first, then create a key for that project.
3. Copy the key. You can view keys again in AI Studio later.
4. Free use is available for some models with limits. For paid use, select Set up billing, then link or create a billing account. New billing accounts are prepaid (minimum US$5).

VoxaLink also accepts keys for Vertex AI in express mode. If you use one, VoxaLink detects it when you select Test connection. Model lists aren't always available for express-mode keys, so you may need to type the model name.

xAI (Grok)

1. Sign in to the xAI Console and choose the right team.
2. Go to Billing and buy prepaid API credits. You can add a payment method under Billing details.
3. Open API Keys and create a key. Give it a name you'll recognise.
4. Copy the key straight away. xAI only shows it once.

AI voice greetings aren't available with Grok keys yet. Use an OpenAI or Google Gemini key if you need them.

Which features use the key

Voice Agents that answer phone calls don't use this key. They run on VoxaLink's managed voice service.

When something doesn't work

• Test connection fails. Check you copied the whole key with no spaces, and that the account has credit or billing set up.
• "We haven't checked whether this model supports reasoning effort." Select Check this model. VoxaLink sends a tiny test request to the provider. It may cost a fraction of a cent on your key.
• "Pricing for this model isn't available yet." You chose a brand-new model while a hard spending cap is on. VoxaLink can only enforce the cap when it knows the model's price. Choose another model or turn off the hard cap. Prices for new models usually appear within a few days.
• "This model no longer accepts reasoning effort …" The provider changed what the model supports. Pick another effort setting, or Provider default, and select Save.