Open WebUI 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.
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 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: follow a provider of the model, or confirm your email.
- 404: the model ID or URL is wrong.
- 429: daily limit reached, or too many requests at once.