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If your AI service isn’t in Elephas’s provider list but offers an OpenAI-compatible chat API, connect it as a custom endpoint. You type the base URL, the model name and your API key, then run a connection test. This is meant for technical users. If your provider is listed, use your own API key instead.
Custom endpoints are part of the own API key option. They work with an Elephas trial or a Personal or Professional plan, in your Personal workspace, and not in Team workspaces.

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Before you start

You need three things from your provider:
  • The base URL, the address up to and including /v1, for example https://api.example.com/v1.
  • The exact model name your provider uses.
  • An API key for that service.
The model must support tool calling (function calling) over the OpenAI chat completions API. Elephas uses it to search and read your documents step by step.

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Steps

1

Open the custom endpoint settings

Open Settings › AI (⌘, on Mac, Ctrl+, on Windows). Under How Elephas answers, click My own AI account, then Connect another provider…, and choose Custom endpoint… at the bottom of the list.
2

Enter the base URL and model

In Base URL, type the address up to /v1. Elephas adds /chat/completions itself, and removes it if you paste it. In Model, type the model name exactly as your provider writes it. Click Save Endpoint.
3

Save your key

Paste the key into API Key and click Save Key. Settings then shows An API key is saved in your system keychain. Click Done.
4

Test the connection

Click Test Connection. Elephas sends a short test that checks the model can call tools. It never includes your documents. When it passes, Settings says Agent tools verified for this endpoint and model. and gives a date by which Elephas will ask you to test again.
5

Ask a question

Ask works through your endpoint once the test has passed.
The steps are the same on Mac and Windows.

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How it works

  • Your request goes straight to the address you typed. Elephas’s servers are not involved. Your key is kept in Keychain on Mac or Credential Manager on Windows, and never synced.
  • Personal information protection still applies. With Protect personal information when using cloud AI on, Elephas hides many common personal details before sending. See Personal information protection and What data is sent to AI.
  • Leaving both fields empty uses OpenRouter. With no base URL and no model, Elephas uses OpenRouter’s address and a default model. For any other address, the model name is required.
  • No model list. Elephas doesn’t fetch models for a custom endpoint. You type the name.
  • The test expires. A passed test is valid for a limited time. When it is due, Ask asks you to test again.
  • Your plan still matters. Like any own key, a custom endpoint needs an Elephas trial or plan, checked online with a device ID only.

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Common pitfalls

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Troubleshooting

The message shows a code in brackets. Check the key and the base URL, then click Test Connection again. If your provider limits requests or is out of credit, Elephas says so. See API key errors.
You changed the endpoint or model, or the last test expired. Run Test Connection again.
The address can’t be reached from your computer. Check the base URL, your network and any VPN your provider requires.

Use your own API key

API key errors

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