# Models, API Keys and BYOK

> Use LoWisa Managed with no setup, or connect your own provider key. Which models are supported, where keys are stored, and what BYOK costs.

The tutor needs an AI model to think with. You can let LoWisa handle that, or bring your own provider account.

## Two ways to connect a model

| Option | What you need | What it costs |
| --- | --- | --- |
| LoWisa Managed | Nothing to set up; activate your plan in Settings, Subscription | Your plan's credits: LoWisa Plus $17.99 or LoWisa Plus Max $24.99 a month |
| Your own key (BYOK) | An API key from a supported provider | $10 a month for the LoWisa platform, plus your provider's own charges |

Choose the model in the chat panel's model list; the line under it shows whether you are connected. You can change it at any time.

## Supported models

LoWisa Managed connects you to GPT-5.6 Terra with no setup and no API key. With your own key you can use Claude 4.6 and Claude Opus 4.8 (Anthropic), GPT-5.5 (OpenAI), Gemini 3.5 Flash (Google) and Grok 4.3 (xAI).

Each model runs on its own. If a request cannot be served, LoWisa tells you, rather than quietly answering you with a different model.

## Where your keys are kept

Keys are stored in your operating system's keychain (Windows Credential Manager, macOS Keychain or libsecret on Linux), never in a plain text file. The BYOK checkout appears inside LoWisa when you connect your own key.

## Credits on the managed plans

A credit is one cent of AI, billed at exact provider cost. Credits reset on your renewal date, and top-ups are available at any time. See [Plans and credits](/help/plans-and-credits/).

## Frequently asked questions

### Which AI models does LoWisa support?

LoWisa Managed uses GPT-5.6 Terra with no setup. With your own key: Claude 4.6 and Claude Opus 4.8 (Anthropic), GPT-5.5 (OpenAI), Gemini 3.5 Flash (Google) and Grok 4.3 (xAI).

### What is BYOK in LoWisa?

Bring your own key: a $10 a month LoWisa platform subscription where the tutor uses your own AI provider account.

### Where does LoWisa store my API key?

In your operating system's keychain, never in a plain text file.

### Does LoWisa switch models if one fails?

No. Each model runs on its own, and LoWisa tells you when a request cannot be served instead of answering with a different model.

## Start with no setup

LoWisa Managed works with no setup, starting with your free credits.

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Source: https://lowisa.dev/help/ide-models-and-keys/ · Updated 2026-09-27