Open WebUI Free API: Add FreeTheAI as an OpenAI Connection
Open WebUI connects to FreeTheAI as an OpenAI API connection and lists every model your key can use.
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
- Connection type
OpenAI API- URL
https://api.freetheai.org/v1- Key
your FreeTheAI key (ftai_..., 53 characters)
Steps
Open the connections page
As an admin, open Admin Panel, then Settings, then Connections.
Add the connection
Under OpenAI API, press + to add a connection. Enter the URL and your key, then save.
Choose a model
Open a new chat and pick a FreeTheAI model (they start with fta/) from the model menu.
How this guide was checked: Checked against Open WebUI's OpenAI-compatible server docs on 2026-09-29.
Tips
- Use Model IDs in the connection settings to show only the models you want.
- FreeTheAI serves chat models only, so keep your embedding and image settings pointed elsewhere.
Troubleshooting
No FreeTheAI models show up in Open WebUI. Why?
Open WebUI reads /v1/models with your key. Check the URL ends in /v1 and the key is complete, then reload the model list.
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.