Setup & Authentication

When you install Kilo Code, you'll be prompted to sign in or create a free account. This automatically configures everything you need to get started.

Quick Start with Kilo Account

The extension prompts you to sign in when you first open Kilo Code in VS Code. Click Sign In and complete the browser-based flow. Sign-in applies across extension surfaces, including the sidebar and Agent Manager.

đź’ˇAdd Credits

Add credits to your account, or sign up for Kilo Pass.

Kilo Gateway API Key

If you're using the Kilo AI Gateway outside of the Kilo Code extension (for example, with the Vercel AI SDK or OpenAI SDK), you'll need an API key:

  1. Go to app.kilo.ai
  2. Go to Your Profile on your personal account (not in an organization)
  3. Scroll to the bottom of the page
  4. Copy your API key

Using Another API Provider

If you prefer to use your own API key or existing subscription, Kilo Code supports over 30 providers. Here are some popular options to get started:

ProviderBest ForAPI Key Required
ChatGPT Plus/ProUse your existing subscriptionNo
OpenRouterAccess multiple models with one keyYes
AnthropicDirect access to Claude modelsYes
OpenAIAccess to GPT modelsYes
ℹ️Many More Providers Available

These are just a few examples! Kilo Code supports many more providers including Google Gemini, DeepSeek, Mistral, Ollama (for local models), AWS Bedrock, Google Vertex, and more. See the complete list at AI Providers.

ChatGPT Plus/Pro Subscription

Already have a ChatGPT subscription? You can use it with Kilo Code through the OpenAI ChatGPT provider—no API key needed.

OpenRouter

  1. Go to openrouter.ai and sign in
  2. Navigate to API keys and create a new key
  3. Copy your API key
OpenRouter API keys page
Create and copy your OpenRouter API key

Anthropic

  1. Go to console.anthropic.com and sign in
  2. Navigate to API keys and create a new key
  3. Copy your API key immediately—it won't be shown again
Anthropic console API Keys section
Copy your Anthropic API key immediately after creation

OpenAI

  1. Go to platform.openai.com and sign in
  2. Navigate to API keys and create a new key
  3. Copy your API key immediately—it won't be shown again
OpenAI API keys page
Copy your OpenAI API key immediately after creation

Configuring Your Provider

  1. Open Kilo Code in VS Code
  2. Click the gear icon () in the extension UI to open Settings
  3. Go to the Providers tab
  4. Select your provider and enter your API key
  5. Choose your model

These settings apply across the extension, including the sidebar and Agent Manager. Agent Manager does not need separate provider or Kilo CLI authentication setup.

ℹ️Need Help?

Reach out to our support team or join our Discord community.