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Get an OpenAI API key

Mäuse Voice Mode talks to OpenAI’s Realtime API with a key you create. This takes a few minutes on the OpenAI Platform — not in the ChatGPT app.

A ChatGPT Plus or Pro subscription does not include API access. You need a separate account at platform.openai.com with prepaid API credits.

1. Open the OpenAI Platform

Go to platform.openai.com and sign in — or create an account with email, Google, Microsoft, or Apple. First-time setup may ask you to verify email or phone and create an organization.

OpenAI Platform home dashboard after signing in
After login you land on the Platform home. API Keys is in the left sidebar. (OpenAI’s UI can change over time.)

2. Add billing credits

API calls draw from a prepaid credit balance. Open Settings → Billing (or go to Billing overview), add a payment method if needed, then choose Add to credit balance. A small top-up (for example $5–$10) is enough to start Voice Mode.

OpenAI Platform billing overview with credit balance
Billing overview shows your credit balance and Add to credit balance.

Without credits, a new key may look valid in Mäuse but Voice Mode requests will fail. Optional: turn on auto recharge or set a monthly spend limit under Usage limits so costs stay predictable.

3. Open API keys

In the left sidebar, click API Keys — or open platform.openai.com/api-keys directly. You’ll see any keys you already created for this project.

OpenAI Platform API keys list with Create new secret key button
The API keys page. Use Create new secret key in the top right.

4. Create a secret key

Click Create new secret key. In the dialog:

  • Leave Owned by on You (unless you intentionally use a service account).
  • Give it a clear Name, for example Mäuse.
  • Choose your Project (Default project is fine).
  • Set Permissions to All unless you know how to restrict Realtime access.

Then click Create secret key.

Create new secret key dialog with name Mäuse
Name the key, pick the project, then create it.

OpenAI shows the full secret key only once. Copy it immediately into a password manager or straight into Mäuse. If you close the dialog without copying, create a new key — the old value cannot be revealed again.

5. Paste the key into Mäuse

On your iPhone, open Mäuse → Settings, paste the key, verify it, accept the Voice Mode disclosure, and enable Voice Mode. The microphone control appears after a successful setup.

Security tips

  • Never email your key or put it in screenshots, chats, or GitHub.
  • If a key leaks, delete it on the API keys page and create a new one.
  • Mäuse stores the key on your device for Voice Mode; the Mäuse developer never receives it.

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