# Set up your OpenAI key

Add your own OpenAI API key in Settings → AI Model, test access, and save it securely for metadata translation.

Source: https://asoengine.app/docs/openai/

By Maicol Cabreja. Reviewed 2026-10-19.

## Create an API key

AI translation uses your own OpenAI API account. Create an API key in the OpenAI Platform dashboard and keep it private. OpenAI API usage is billed separately from the ASO Engine download.

Check billing, available balance, and usage limits in the OpenAI Platform before translating. Never paste your key into the website, a support email, or a screenshot.

[OpenAI: API quickstart and key setup](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/quickstart)

[OpenAI Platform API keys](https://platform.openai.com/api-keys)

[OpenAI API pricing](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/pricing)

## Test and save in the app

1. Open Settings using the gear button, then select the AI Model tab.

2. Paste your API key into the API Key field. The field remains masked after saving.

3. Choose the model you can access. The app’s default is gpt-4o-mini; translation requires a model that supports structured output.

4. Choose Test & Save. The app saves the changed key and model only after the connection test succeeds.

Note: The connection test checks credentials and model access. A successful test does not guarantee translation requests will succeed if billing, rate limits, or model capabilities prevent them.

## Where your key is used

Your saved key is restored from this Mac’s Data Protection Keychain. Translation requests go directly from the app to OpenAI using that key. Keywords, competitor research, and Price Parity do not need it.

If you replace the key or model, choose Test & Save again. To remove it, open the API key actions menu and choose Remove Saved Key.

[Translate metadata](https://asoengine.app/docs/metadata-translator/)

## If the test or translation fails

- Check for an incomplete key or extra pasted spaces, and verify that the key has not been revoked.

- Confirm that your API project can access the selected model and has usable billing and quota.

- For a structured-output error, choose a supported model. For a rate limit, wait before retrying or translate fewer languages.

[Translation troubleshooting](https://asoengine.app/docs/troubleshooting/#translation-errors)