# How to set up OpenAI API connections

> Create an OpenAI account and generate an API key to use AI domain suggestions in the Phox Domain Search widget.

Source: https://phox.wdes.org/docs/how-to-set-up-openai-api-connections/
Last updated: 2025-05-29

### Step 1: Create an OpenAI account

If you haven’t already, [go to the OpenAI platform](https://platform.openai.com/), and create an account.

### Step 2: Create an OpenAI API key

Since the OpenAI API isn’t **free**, you need to create an API key so the platform knows who you are and whom to bill the work. To generate an OpenAI API key, look to the top-right side of the screen and click **Dashboard**. Then click **API keys**.

![openai db](https://phox.wdes.org/docs/assets/openai-db.-fmzGhPg_y9j7q.webp)

### Step 3: Generate an OpenAI API Key

On the top right of the screen, click **Create new secret key**. A pop-up appears with your API key settings.

- **Owned by**: **You** is better for personal use. Check this option if you’re going to be the only person making API calls. **Service account** is for team or organizational use. This adds more security layers to the OpenAI platform
- **Name**: give your API key an appropriate name or service name ID.
- **Project**: You can use the default project, or you can create a new one
- **Permissions**: gives full access to all API features.

![openai settings](https://phox.wdes.org/docs/assets/openai-settings.BCbh1vKQ_9lBAJ.webp)

Once you’ve adjusted these settings, click **Create secret key**, and the platform will generate one for you. You won’t be able to see this key again: copy and paste it to a safe place for now, and consider disposing of it after you’ve set up the call in the next step. 

![key](https://phox.wdes.org/docs/assets/key.Cozb1cJ0_29bKNA.webp)

> **Warning:**
>
> **Add credits to your OpenAI account**: You won’t be able to use the API if you don’t add a few credits.