How to Use OpenRouter API on JanitorAI (Beginner’s Guide)

JanitorAI is a platform that provides AI chat characters, allowing users to interact with or create various AI personalities. OpenRouter, on the other hand, is a service that integrates multiple AI language models (such as GPT-4, Claude, and Mistral), enabling JanitorAI to utilize more powerful AI models for an improved chat experience.

This guide will walk beginners through the process of setting up OpenRouter API on JanitorAI, making your AI characters smarter and more engaging in conversations.

💡 Why Use OpenRouter API on JanitorAI?

By default, JanitorAI does not come with an AI model. Users need to provide their own API to enable AI-powered chats. OpenRouter is an excellent choice because it offers multiple AI options and is easier to use than OpenAI’s official API.

Here are some key benefits of using OpenRouter:

✅ Supports multiple AI models (GPT-4, Claude, Mistral, etc.)
✅ More cost-effective than OpenAI’s direct API and offers free trials
✅ More stable and allows continuous chatting without strict rate limits

If you want smarter AI characters and smoother conversations, setting up OpenRouter API on JanitorAI is the way to go. Let’s go through the steps!

🛠️ Step 1: Get an OpenRouter API Key

To use OpenRouter with JanitorAI, you first need to get an API key. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the OpenRouter Website

👉 https://openrouter.ai/

2. Sign Up or Log In

• If you don’t have an account, click Sign Up and register using your email or Google account.
• If you already have an account, click Log In to access your dashboard.

3. Get Your API Key

• Once logged in, go to “Account” (top-right corner).
• Click “API Keys”, then select “Generate API Key”.
• Copy the API key and keep it safe, as you’ll need it in the next step.

⚙️ Step 2: Set Up OpenRouter API on JanitorAI

Now that you have the API key, you need to enter it into JanitorAI so that it can use OpenRouter for AI chat.

1. Visit the JanitorAI Website

👉 https://www.janitorai.com/

2. Log In to Your JanitorAI Account

• If you’re new to JanitorAI, create an account first.
• If you already have an account, simply log in.

3. Access API Settings

• After logging in, click your profile picture or settings icon (top-right corner).
• Select “API Settings” from the dropdown menu.

4. Select OpenRouter and Enter Your API Key

• In the API settings page, you’ll see several AI provider options.
• Select OpenRouter from the list.
• Paste the API Key you copied earlier into the input field.
• Click “Save”, and the system will verify your API Key.

🚀 Step 3: Start Chatting with AI

Once the API is successfully linked, you can start chatting with AI characters on JanitorAI!

1. Choose an AI Character

• Go to the Character Selection Page on JanitorAI.
• Pick your favorite AI girlfriend, virtual companion, or any other AI character.
• You can also create your own AI character by setting up its name, personality, and speech style.

2. Start Chatting

• Click “Start Chat” after selecting a character.
• You’ll notice that the AI is now smarter, faster, and more engaging in conversations.
• If you want to switch AI models (e.g., GPT-4, Claude), you can do so in OpenRouter settings.

🔧 Common Issues & Solutions

1. API Key is Invalid?

✅ Solutions:

• Double-check that you copied the full API key without missing any characters.
• Generate a new API key and try again.
• Ensure that your OpenRouter account has enough credits (some AI models require payment).

2. AI Responses Are Slow?

✅ Solutions:

• Try switching to a faster AI model in OpenRouter (e.g., GPT-3.5).
• Make sure your internet connection is stable.
• Use a different browser (Chrome is recommended).

3. Does OpenRouter API Require Payment?

✅ Answer: OpenRouter offers some free credits, but using advanced AI models like GPT-4 and Claude 3 may require paid credits. However, the prices are lower than OpenAI’s direct API.

4. Does JanitorAI Support Other APIs?

✅ Answer: Yes! In addition to OpenRouter, JanitorAI also supports OpenAI API, KoboldAI, and more. If you have an OpenAI API Key, you can use that instead.

🎯 Summary: How to Set Up OpenRouter API on JanitorAI

1️⃣ Sign up for OpenRouter and get an API Key
2️⃣ Log in to JanitorAI and access API Settings
3️⃣ Select OpenRouter and paste the API Key
4️⃣ Choose an AI character and start chatting

By integrating OpenRouter, JanitorAI can access more advanced AI models, making your AI companions smarter, faster, and more engaging. 🎉

Hope this guide helps—give it a try and start chatting today! 😊