How to use Auto Router (Beta) with your OpenRouter API key on TypingMind

Learn how to access and use Auto Router (Beta) with your OpenRouter API key through TypingMind. Get started with this AI model in minutes.

The experimental version of our Auto Router where we test new improvements. Use it to get the latest and greatest version of our general purpose auto router, but expect beta...

OpenRouter is a unified API gateway that provides access to 400+ AI models from 50+ providers through a single OpenAI-compatible endpoint, eliminating vendor lock-in and simplifying multi-model integration.

Key features include automatic fallbacks (seamlessly switching to backup models if primary fails), smart model routing with :floor (cheapest) and :nitro (fastest) options, standardized API normalization across all providers, and multi-modal support for text and images.

OpenRouter uses pass-through pricing at exact provider rates plus a 5% platform fee (5.5% on credits), offers 13+ free models with daily limits, consolidated analytics dashboards, and enterprise-grade privacy controls with no code changes needed to switch between models like GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, Llama, and DeepSeek.

Auto Router (Beta) Overview

Model Name	Auto Router (Beta)
Provider	OpenRouter
Model ID	`openrouter/auto-beta`
Model Logo	Get the logo URL
Release Date	Jul 17, 2026
Context Window	2,000,000 tokens
Pricing /1M tokens	N/A input N/A output
Input Modalities	text, image, audio, file, video
Output Modalities	text, image
Capabilities	File UploadReasoningTool CallingStructured OutputTemperature Control

Complete Setup Guide

Get Your OpenRouter API Key

First, you'll need to obtain an API key from OpenRouter. This key allows you to access their AI models directly and pay only for what you use.

Go to openrouter.ai, click Sign In, and create a free account.
Open API Keys in the OpenRouter dashboard and click Create API Key.
Give the key a name, for example TypingMind, and copy it. It starts with sk-or-v1-.
Optional: open Credits and click Add Credits ($5 minimum, paid by card or crypto). Credits never expire, and some models are free to try without them.

Sometimes, this provider will require you to add a payment method to your account before you can use your API key to chat with AI. So, to avoid any hiccups, make sure you've got a payment method set up and ready to go!

Important: Keep your API key secure and never share it publicly. Store it safely as you'll need it to connect with TypingMind.

Configure TypingMind with OpenRouter API Key

Option 1: Use the built-in OpenRouter provider (recommended)

The quickest way. TypingMind already has OpenRouter set up, so you only need to add your API key.

Open TypingMind and click "Models" in the left sidebar.
Search for OpenRouter.
Click the settings (gear) button next to OpenRouter.
Paste your API key and save.

Built-in providers with settings buttons on the TypingMind Models page

Option 2: Import from OpenRouter

Add OpenRouter models as custom models. TypingMind fills in the endpoint, authentication, and model details for you.

Open TypingMind, click "Models" in the left sidebar, then click "Add custom model".
Select "Import OpenRouter".
Paste your OpenRouter API key and click "Check API Key".
Select Auto Router (Beta) from the list. You can pick several models at once.
Click "Import models".

Option 3: Add the model manually

If you can't find the provider or model ID in the official list, you can add the model manually:

Open the Models page
Open TypingMind, click "Models" in the left sidebar, then click "Add custom model" in the top right corner.
Enter the model details
Keep "Create Manually" selected and fill in the model details:
Name: Auto Router (Beta) via OpenRouter (or your preferred name)
Model ID: openrouter/auto-beta for example (check OpenRouter model list)
Context Length: Enter the model's context window (e.g., 2000000 for openrouter/auto-beta)
Set up authentication
In the "Authentication" tab, set the connection details:
API Type: OpenAI Chat Completions API
Endpoint URL: https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/chat/completions
Authentication Type: API Key via HTTP Header
Header Key: Authorization
Header Value: Bearer <OPENROUTER_API_KEY>
Add pricing (optional)
Open the "Pricing" tab and enter the model's input, output, and cache prices per 1M tokens so TypingMind can estimate your usage costs.
Check the capabilities
In the "Capabilities" tab, keep "Auto check capabilities on save" on so TypingMind detects supported features like plugins, image input, and thinking, or enable them manually.
Test and save
Click "Test & Save" to verify the connection and add the model.

III

Start chatting with Auto Router (Beta)

Now you can start chatting with Auto Router (Beta) through TypingMind:

Select Auto Router (Beta) from the model dropdown menu
Start typing your message in the chat input
Enjoy faster responses and better features than the official interface
Switch between different AI models as needed

Chat with Auto Router (Beta) from OpenRouter on TypingMind

💡 Pro tips for better results:

Use specific, detailed prompts for better responses (How to use Prompt Library)
Create AI agents with custom instructions for repeated tasks (How to create AI Agents)
Use plugins to extend Auto Router (Beta) with web search, code execution, and more (How to use plugins)
Upload documents and images directly to chat for AI analysis and discussion (Chat with documents)

Why TypingMind + OpenRouter?

Chat with Auto Router (Beta) and 200+ other models in one workspace, using your own OpenRouter API key.

Best-in-class UI

TypingMind's interface is far superior to standard chat UIs.

Model flexibility

Switch between Auto Router (Beta) and 200+ models instantly.

Cost control

Pay only for what you use through OpenRouter.

One-time purchase

Buy TypingMind once, use forever with any OpenRouter model.

Data privacy

Your conversations are stored locally by default, not on external servers.

Plugins, MCP, Skills & AI agents

Extend Auto Router (Beta) with web search, image generation, and custom AI agents.

Try TypingMind for free

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a subscription to use Auto Router (Beta)?

No. With your own OpenRouter API key, you pay only for what you use, with no monthly subscription. TypingMind is also a one-time purchase, not a subscription.

How much does it cost to use Auto Router (Beta)?

Auto Router (Beta) costs N/A/1M input tokens and N/A/1M output tokens via OpenRouter. A typical conversation costs around $0.01-0.10, depending on length.

Can I use other models besides Auto Router (Beta)?

Yes. Any model your OpenRouter API key can access works in TypingMind, and you can switch between it and models from other providers in the same chat.

Is my data private when using Auto Router (Beta) with TypingMind?

TypingMind stores your conversations locally (in your browser on the web version, on your device in the desktop app). Your messages are sent to OpenRouter with your API key, so check OpenRouter's data policy for how it handles API requests.

What if Auto Router (Beta) is unavailable?

OpenRouter allows you to configure fallback models. If Auto Router (Beta) is down, it can automatically route to your backup choice. You can also manually switch models in TypingMind anytime.

How do I cancel or get a refund?

There are no subscriptions to cancel. Unused OpenRouter credits remain in your account forever.

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