---
title: "Chub AI API: FreeTheAI Reverse Proxy Setup"
description: "Use AI models on chub.ai (Venus) with FreeTheAI. Where the OpenAI reverse proxy lives in Secrets, the base URL to use, and how to pick the model."
url: https://freetheai.org/setup/chub-ai
language: en
updated: 2026-09-29
---

# Chub AI 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.

## 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: `glm-5.3`

## Steps

1. **Open Secrets.** In any chat, open the menu (three lines, top right) and choose Secrets, then OpenAI.
2. **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.
3. **Check the proxy.** Press Check Proxy and wait for the green confirmation. Chub loads the model list from FreeTheAI at this step.
4. **Pick the model.** Open the menu again, choose Configuration, then Prompt Structure. Set API to OpenAI and pick a model that freetheai.org/models lists. Save.

## Tips

- Refresh the page if the model list stays empty after a successful check.
- Chub's list may show models FreeTheAI does not serve. Use IDs that freetheai.org/models lists.

## 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.

**Check Proxy works but no FreeTheAI models appear. What now?**

Refresh the page, then look again under Configuration, Prompt Structure. Only models that freetheai.org/models lists work.

**Why do I get a 401 error?**

The key is wrong or incomplete. Paste the whole ftai_ key (53 characters), with no spaces.

**Why do I get a 403 error?**

A 403 usually means the account follows no provider of that model, or your email is not confirmed. Follow a provider on freetheai.org/providers, then try again.

**It loads for a long time, then shows an error or an empty reply. Why?**

The model is busy. Try another model, and check freetheai.org/status.

**A model rejects my settings. How do I fix it?**

Reset temperature and the other sampling settings to their defaults, then try again.

**Which models are good for roleplay on Chub?**

GLM, Kimi, and MiniMax models, for example glm-5.3. The models page has a Roleplay filter.

Checked: Checked against Chub's API connection docs and current reverse proxy guides on 2026-09-29.