# Use your own AI key or Codex

> On the Free plan, run the assistant with your own OpenRouter key, or with Codex on desktop. How to set it up, what it covers and what it does not.

Source: https://priortasks.com/docs/prior-ai/bring-your-own-key/
Last updated: 2026-11-05

You do not need a paid plan to use the assistant. Free accounts can bring their own key from OpenRouter, or on the desktop apps use their ChatGPT subscription through Codex. Paid plans include Prior AI and need neither.

## Use an OpenRouter key

[OpenRouter](https://openrouter.ai) is a service that gives one key access to many AI models. You pay OpenRouter directly for what you use.

1. Create a key at [openrouter.ai/keys](https://openrouter.ai/keys).
2. In Prior, open **Settings → Prior AI**.
3. Under **AI provider**, choose **My OpenRouter key**.
4. Open **My own API keys**, paste the key into **OpenRouter API key**, and click **Save keys**.

The key is saved to your account, so it works on every device where you are signed in. It is stored encrypted.

In the assistant, the **Model** menu lets you choose a model. It starts on `openrouter/free`. Type in **Search all OpenRouter models** to find another one. **Reasoning** (Auto, Low, Medium, High) sets how much effort the model puts in.

## Use Codex (desktop apps)

Codex lets the assistant run on your ChatGPT subscription. It works in the macOS, Windows and Linux apps, not in the browser or on Android, and it is marked Beta.

1. Install Codex on your computer and make sure the `codex` command is available. Then reopen Prior's settings.
2. Open **Settings → Prior AI**. In the **Codex beta** section, click **Connect** and sign in with ChatGPT.
3. Choose **Codex (desktop)** under **AI provider**.

The conversation runs on your computer and uses your ChatGPT allowance. **Disconnect** removes the link.

## What your key covers

| Feature | With your own OpenRouter key |
| --- | --- |
| The assistant | Yes |
| AI plan for today | Yes |
| Email to task, calendar event drafts | Yes |
| Flashcards from a course, flashcard tutor | Yes |
| Dictation | Needs an **OpenAI API key for voice transcription**, saved in the same place |
| Task suggestions, duration estimates, AI import, budget quotes, splitting a story | No: these are Pro features and run on Prior AI only |

Codex covers the assistant only.

The same section holds **OpenRouter key for Today recommendations** and **Today recommendation model**, if you want the daily plan to use another key or model.

## Good to know

- **Requests go through Prior's server when you are signed in.** It forwards them to OpenRouter with your saved key. If that fails, the app can call OpenRouter directly from your device.
- **If your own provider fails, Prior AI can step in.** When a key stops working or Codex is signed out, the assistant tries once more with Prior AI, if your account has it. If it does not, you see the original error.
- **Your plan limits do not apply.** The monthly token allowance of a paid plan counts Prior AI only. Your provider's own limits and prices apply to your key.
- **A paid plan does not remove your key.** You can keep it saved and switch between **Prior AI** and **My OpenRouter key** under **AI provider** at any time.
- To change plan or start a trial, see [Plans and pricing](https://priortasks.com/docs/account/plans-and-pricing/).