How to connect your own AI provider key on iPhone or iPad
To connect your own AI provider key on iPhone or iPad, an admin opens Capabilities, taps the provider, pastes the API key under Configure Custom Key, taps Save API Key and turns on Enable this provider. A short question in Conversations is the quickest check that it works.
On a Mac? See how to connect your own AI provider key on Mac. New to the idea? What bring your own key means explains who holds the key and who bills you.
Before you start
- An admin role. Keys are managed per company, and the default Standard role for members can't see or change them.
- A key from your provider. Supported providers include OpenAI, Gemini, Grok, Mistral, Cohere, DeepSeek and Perplexity; each issues keys in its developer console. Not sure which? Read how to choose an AI provider.
- Billing on the provider's side. Usage is billed to your provider account at their rates. What bring-your-own AI really costs helps you estimate it.
Steps
- Open Capabilities. On iPhone, open the menu and tap Capabilities in the Settings section. On iPad, tap Capabilities in the sidebar.
- Choose the provider. Tap its name in the list, for example OpenAI or Mistral.
- Paste the key. Under Configure Custom Key, paste your API key into the key field. Where the provider has a console link, Get API Key takes you there. A hint shows Valid or Invalid format as you paste.
- Save it. Tap Save API Key. The status at the top reads API Key Configured (Disabled).
- Turn the provider on. Switch on Enable this provider. The status reads API Key Configured (Enabled).
- Try it. Open Conversations, pick the provider and ask a short question. The app shows no Test Connection button for these providers, so a normal answer is the quickest check that the key works.
With the provider on, Available Models lists the models you can use, and under Conversations Defaults you can set a Default Model for chats.
Using the provider
Open Conversations, start a conversation and pick the provider in the picker below the message field. It lists every provider your company has turned on (in the picker, Gemini and Grok show as Google Gemini and xAI Grok). From there, ask questions about your own data.
Changing or removing a key
- Pause a provider. Switch off Enable this provider. The key stays saved, and you can switch it back on later.
- Replace a key. Paste the new key and tap Save API Key again, then ask a short question in Conversations.
- Remove a key. Tap Remove Custom Key.
The key is stored encrypted on Swiftly's server, which calls the provider for you. Bring your own key explained has the detail.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I see the API key settings on my iPhone?
Provider keys are an admin setting. With the default Standard role, the provider page shows that you don't have access. Ask an admin in your company to add the key, or to give your role access.
What does Invalid format mean when I paste a key?
The key doesn't match the pattern that provider uses. Check that you copied the whole key, without spaces, and that it belongs to the provider you picked.
Do I have to add the key again on my Mac?
No. The key is stored for the company on Swiftly's server, so once it is saved, your team can use the provider in Conversations on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Can I connect more than one AI provider?
Yes. Repeat the steps for each provider you have a key for. Each conversation uses the provider you pick, so you can try them side by side.
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