The most common place people get stuck when setting up AI Navigator is the API key step. It sounds technical — but it really isn’t. This post explains exactly what an API key is, why you need one, and how to get it in plain English.
What Even Is an API Key?
An API key is basically a password that lets AI Navigator talk to an AI service on your behalf. When someone asks the chat assistant a question, the plugin sends that question to the AI service (OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google) and gets back an answer. The key is how it proves to that service that it has permission to do so.
You can think of it like a membership card. The AI service gives you a card, you give it to AI Navigator, and AI Navigator shows it every time it needs to ask the AI something.
Is It Safe to Use?
Yes — with a couple of caveats.
Your API key is like a password, so you should treat it like one:
- Don’t share it publicly — don’t post it in a blog post, a screenshot, or an email to someone you don’t trust
- Don’t worry about giving it to AI Navigator — the plugin encrypts and stores it securely on your server. Your visitors never see it.
Will It Cost Me Money?
All three AI providers offer a free tier to get started:
- OpenAI — offers free credits when you sign up. After that, usage is very cheap — typically a fraction of a cent per conversation.
- Anthropic — offers free API credits for new accounts. Usage costs are similar to OpenAI.
- Google Gemini — has a generous free tier and is one of the most cost-effective options for higher-traffic sites.
For most small to medium websites, the monthly AI cost works out to just a few dollars — or even less. And you can set a spending limit on all three platforms so you never get a surprise bill.
Which Provider Should I Choose?
Honestly, they’re all excellent. Here’s a quick summary:
| Provider | Best For | Free Tier? |
|---|---|---|
| 🟢 OpenAI | Most people — great all-rounder | ✅ Yes |
| 🟣 Anthropic (Claude) | Professional or formal-tone sites | ✅ Yes |
| 🔵 Google Gemini | High-traffic sites, budget-conscious | ✅ Yes |
If you’re not sure, go with OpenAI. It’s the most widely tested, has the most documentation, and works brilliantly with AI Navigator right out of the box.
Step-by-Step: Getting Your OpenAI Key
- Go to platform.openai.com and create a free account (or log in if you already have one)
- Once you’re in, click on your profile picture in the top-right corner
- Click API Keys from the menu
- Click Create new secret key
- Give it a name like “AI Navigator” so you remember what it’s for
- Click Create — your key will appear. It starts with
sk- - Copy it immediately — OpenAI only shows the key once for security. Paste it into AI Navigator’s settings right away.
That’s all there is to it. For Anthropic and Google Gemini, the process is almost identical — check out our full Getting Started guide for those instructions.
What If My Key Stops Working?
The most common reasons a key stops working:
- You ran out of free credits — just add a payment method or switch providers
- The key was deleted from the provider’s dashboard — create a new one and update it in plugin settings
- You typed it incorrectly — try copying and pasting it again carefully
If you’re still stuck, check our Help & Troubleshooting page or drop us an email at hello@teddyx7.com.
— The TDX7 Team · ainav.teddyx7.shop/