NextChat Free API: Use FreeTheAI as a Custom Endpoint
NextChat uses FreeTheAI through its custom OpenAI endpoint. Add the model IDs to Custom Models so they appear in the picker.
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
- Custom Endpoint
On- Model Provider
OpenAI- OpenAI Endpoint
https://api.freetheai.org- OpenAI API Key
your FreeTheAI key (ftai_..., 53 characters)- Custom Models
+fta/zai/glm-5.3,+fta/kimi/k3
Steps
Turn on the custom endpoint
Open Settings and turn on Custom Endpoint. Set Model Provider to OpenAI.
Enter the endpoint and key
Set OpenAI Endpoint to https://api.freetheai.org (NextChat adds /v1/chat/completions) and paste your key.
Add your models
In Custom Models, list the models you want, separated by commas, then pick one in a chat.
How this guide was checked: Checked against NextChat's source (custom endpoint settings and request paths) on 2026-09-29.
Troubleshooting
Why does NextChat call the wrong URL?
Enter the root address https://api.freetheai.org without /v1. NextChat appends v1/chat/completions itself.
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.