> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.alterhq.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Custom Models Not Showing

> Fix missing OpenAI, Mistral, or local models in the model selector

<Note>
  **Important:** You need an API key from your provider (OpenAI, Mistral, etc.) before they will appear in Alter.
</Note>

## What's happening?

You've added your API key, but when you press `/` to see models:

* The **Custom** section is empty
* You don't see your provider's models
* You only see Alter Cloud models

## Common setup mistakes

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion icon="toggle-off" title="Custom Provider is turned off">
    Even with an API key entered, you need to enable custom providers:

    1. Open Alter Settings (`Cmd + ,`)
    2. Go to **API Keys** tab
    3. Find **Custom Provider** section
    4. Toggle **Enable Custom Provider** to ON
    5. You should see a ✓ next to "Custom Endpoint"
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="link" title="Wrong endpoint format (especially for Azure)">
    **For most providers:** Just paste your API key – the endpoint is automatic

    **For Azure specifically**, you need the full URL:

    ```
    https://your-instance.openai.azure.com/openai/deployments/your-model-name/chat/completions?api-version=2024-02-15-preview
    ```

    Make sure your URL includes:

    * Your instance name
    * The deployment name
    * The api-version parameter
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="key" title="Invalid or expired API key">
    Quick checks:

    * Did you copy the full key? (They usually start with `sk-`)
    * Has the key expired?
    * Do you have billing set up with the provider?
    * Did you accidentally include extra spaces?

    Try generating a new key from your provider's dashboard.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Quick setup guide

<Steps>
  <Step title="Get your API key">
    * **OpenAI:** [https://platform.openai.com/api-keys](https://platform.openai.com/api-keys)
    * **Mistral:** [https://console.mistral.ai/api-keys/](https://console.mistral.ai/api-keys/)
    * **Gemini:** [https://aistudio.google.com/app/apikey](https://aistudio.google.com/app/apikey)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter it in Alter">
    1. Settings (`Cmd + ,`) → **API Keys**
    2. Select your provider from the dropdown
    3. Paste your key
    4. Toggle **Enable Custom Provider** ON
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check the model selector">
    1. Press `/` in the Alter prompt box
    2. Look for the **Custom** section
    3. You should see your provider's models listed
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Verify it's working

After setup:

1. Press `/` to open the model picker
2. Look for the **Custom** category
3. Select one of your custom models
4. Send a test message
5. **Success:** The model responds using your own API key!

<Tip>
  **Budget tip:** Using your own API key means you're billed directly by the provider. Monitor your usage on their dashboard to avoid surprises!
</Tip>

## Related help

* [How to use your own API key](/how-to/use-byok)
* [Choosing AI models](/how-to/choose-generative-model)