> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://evalgate.com/docs/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Connect a model provider key > Bring your own key so model-backed features can run. # Connect a model provider key EvalGate is **bring your own key (BYOK)**. It does not bundle model inference credits. To use LLM judges, the Playground, online monitors, or the Copilot, you connect a provider key (OpenAI, Anthropic, a gateway, etc.). That provider bills your usage directly. ## Step 1 — Open settings In the sidebar, click **Settings**, then choose **Provider Keys**. A screenshot of the Settings page with the Provider Keys tab selected. ## Step 2 — Add a key 1. Click **Add provider key**. 2. Pick your provider (for example, OpenAI or Anthropic). 3. Paste the API key. 4. Give it a label you will recognize later, like `prod-openai-2026-07`. 5. Click **Save**. A screenshot of the Add provider key dialog with the fields filled in. EvalGate stores the key encrypted. Never paste a key into a screenshot, a commit, or a chat. If a key leaks, revoke it at the provider and add a new one. ## Step 3 — Check the Model Gateway Model-backed features route through the **Model Gateway**, not the provider directly. In Settings, open **Model Gateway** and confirm: * Your provider key is listed and **healthy**. * The models you want to use are **synchronized** (visible in the model list). * The organization budget is not zero if you want calls to run. A screenshot of the Model Gateway page showing a healthy provider and a synchronized model list. ## Step 4 — Test a call Still in Model Gateway, click **Test call**, pick a model, and send a trivial prompt. If you get a response and a cost record, the key works end to end. ## Troubleshooting * **`provider_unhealthy`** — the key is wrong, expired, or lacks the model. Fix it at the provider, then re-save. * **`budget_exhausted`** — raise the organization budget in Settings, or wait for the budget window to reset. * **`model_not_synchronized`** — click **Sync models** in Model Gateway, then retry. * **Calls work locally but not in CI** — CI uses a different API key. Add a key for the CI environment, or set the key as a CI secret. ## Up next Now you can [create an evaluation](../evaluations/create-evaluation) that uses an LLM judge.