Chub AI Free API: FreeTheAI Reverse Proxy Setup
Chub AI uses FreeTheAI as an OpenAI reverse proxy. You enter the base URL and key in Secrets, check the proxy, then choose the model in Configuration.
Before you start
- Create a free account and an API key. Create an account
- Check in once a day to unlock the free models. Daily check-in
- Pick a model ID from the models page. Browse models
Settings
- Secrets > OpenAI
Reverse Proxy- OpenAI Reverse Proxy
https://api.freetheai.org/v1- Reverse Proxy Key
your FreeTheAI key (ftai_..., 53 characters)- Configuration > Prompt Structure > API
OpenAI- Model
fta/zai/glm-5.3
Steps
Open Secrets
In any chat, open the menu (three lines, top right) and choose Secrets, then OpenAI.
Turn on the reverse proxy
Choose Reverse Proxy instead of your own OpenAI key. Enter the base URL ending in /v1 (not /chat/completions) and your FreeTheAI key.
Check the proxy
Press Check Proxy and wait for the green confirmation. Chub loads the model list from FreeTheAI at this step.
Pick the model
Open the menu again, choose Configuration, then Prompt Structure. Set API to OpenAI and pick a model that starts with fta/. Save.
How this guide was checked: Checked against Chub's API connection docs and current reverse proxy guides on 2026-09-29.
Tips
- Refresh the page if the model list stays empty after a successful check.
- Chub's list may show models FreeTheAI does not serve. Only fta/ models work.
Troubleshooting
Check Proxy fails on Chub. Why?
The URL must be the base URL https://api.freetheai.org/v1. A full /chat/completions URL fails, because Chub adds the path itself.
Can I use FreeTheAI on the Chub mobile site?
Yes. The same Secrets and Configuration menus are in the mobile chat view.
Common errors
- 401: the key is wrong or incomplete. Paste the whole key.
- 403: check in for today, or confirm your email.
- 404: the model ID or URL is wrong.
- 429: daily limit reached, or too many requests at once.