---
title: OpenAI Setup
description: How to connect Hermes Agent with the current Sign in with ChatGPT flow and verify the provider connection.
canonical: "https://deploy-hermes.com/setup-guides/openai-setup"
last-updated: "2026-08-23"
---

# OpenAI Setup

> How to connect Hermes Agent with the current Sign in with ChatGPT flow and verify the provider connection.

Canonical: https://deploy-hermes.com/setup-guides/openai-setup
Updated: 2026-08-23 · Search intent: commercial
Category: [Setup Guides](/setup-guides)

The current OpenAI connection path uses Sign in with ChatGPT. It does not ask you to paste an OpenAI API key into this setup flow.

## What you need before you start

Use the current Sign in with ChatGPT flow and have access to the ChatGPT account that should authorize the deployment.

Do not paste an API key into this setup path unless the product explicitly presents a separate credential flow.

- A ChatGPT account that can complete the sign-in flow
- A Hermes deployment to connect
- A real test prompt for end-to-end verification

## Recommended setup flow

Choose Sign in with ChatGPT, complete the authorization flow, return to the deployment, and send a real test request. Confirm the response before investigating channel or runtime behavior.

The sign-in session is the source of authorization for this UI path; an API key pasted into a text field is not the expected setup contract.

## Mistakes that slow teams down

The common mistake is following an older API-key tutorial against the current interface. Reopen the provider connection screen and use the controls that are actually rendered there.

Treat the first successful response as the integration check, then refine prompts and model choices with evidence from the live deployment.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does OpenAI setup require pasting an API key?

No. The current UI uses Sign in with ChatGPT for this connection path.

### How do I verify the connection?

Complete Sign in with ChatGPT, return to the deployment, and send a real test request before changing other settings.

---

- [Full documentation index](/llms.txt)
- [Complete site text](/llms-full.txt)
- [Developer portal](/developers)
- [OpenAPI contract](/openapi.json)
- [MCP server card](/.well-known/mcp.json)