The AI features call the provider you choose using your own key. Nothing is charged through us, and your content is only sent to the provider you pick. They are the Answer Box, the Listings Writer, the Synonym Suggestions, the Analyst Report, Ask AI Anything and the AI read on member reports.
Choose a provider:
Open AiX Search, then Settings, then the PRO Settings tab, and find AI Connection. Choose your Primary provider: Google Gemini, OpenAI or Anthropic Claude. Gemini is listed first because it has a real free tier that needs no card, which is enough for normal search traffic.
Get a free Gemini key in about a minute:
- Open aistudio.google.com/apikey and sign in with any Google account.
- Click Create API key.
- Choose or create a project if you are asked.
- Copy the key.
- Paste it into the Google Gemini API key box and click Save PRO Settings.
Where the other keys come from:
- OpenAI: platform.openai.com/api-keys
- Anthropic Claude: console.anthropic.com
Choosing a model:
Each provider has a Model dropdown showing the estimated price per million tokens, input and output, so you can weigh quality against cost. Leave it on the recommended pick and PRO uses a sensible, fast model for your provider. There is also an optional Custom model box that overrides the primary provider's pick, for the rare case where you want a specific model.
If a provider retires a model you picked, PRO automatically uses its current replacement, so your Answer Box and AI tools keep answering.
Testing your key:
Each provider has a Test connection button. It sends a tiny real request and tells you whether the key works and how quickly the model answered.
How your key is stored and shown:
Your saved key is displayed masked, showing only the last few characters. Leaving that masked value alone keeps the key you already saved. To remove a key entirely, tick Remove this saved key and save.
What happens without a key:
The AI features stay switched off. Member Activity, member reports, offers, lead capture, insights, typo tolerance, filters, member awareness and WooCommerce features all work with no key at all.
To see what your key costs and to add a backup provider, read AI Usage, Fallback Provider And Monthly Budget.