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Setting up BYOK providers

Bring-your-own-key (BYOK) lets you use Groq, OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, OpenRouter, or a custom OpenAI-compatible endpoint with keys stored on your device. Kalam never receives BYOK keys in the clear — with sync enabled, the provider_keys bucket is client-encrypted before upload. Use them for cloud speech-to-text and for AI polish on Pro, Trial, and Max.

Where keys live​

  1. Open Settings → AI & Models → Providers.
  2. Add or paste a key for each provider you use.
  3. Optionally configure a custom OpenAI-compatible endpoint (base URL + key) for self-hosted or alternate APIs.
  4. Assign providers per mode under Dictation → Hear your voice (STT) and Improve the text (polish models).
Kalam never sees your BYOK keys

Keys stay on this device. If you enable sync, the provider_keys bucket is client-encrypted before it leaves the machine — Kalam's servers store ciphertext only.

Add a Groq key (speech + polish)​

  1. Create an account at console.groq.com and open API Keys.
  2. Create a key and copy it once (you will not see it again).
  3. In Kalam: Settings → AI & Models → Providers → add Groq → paste the key → save.
  4. Use Test if the UI offers it, then set a mode's voice provider to Groq under Dictation.

Groq is a common choice for fast cloud transcription on Free and up. See Speech-to-text.

Add an OpenAI key​

  1. Open platform.openai.com → API keys and create a secret key.
  2. In Kalam: Settings → AI & Models → Providers → add OpenAI → paste → save.
  3. Point a mode's STT and/or polish model at OpenAI as needed.

Other providers (polish)​

ProviderTypical use
AnthropicAI polish / writing models
Google GeminiAI polish
OpenRouterMany models behind one key
Custom OpenAI-compatibleLocal gateways or third-party hosts

Polish with BYOK requires Pro or Trial (Max can use Kalam-hosted AI instead). Details: AI polish and AI & Models settings.

Cloud means audio or text leaves the device

Cloud STT sends audio to that provider. Polish sends transcript text (and any surroundings context) to the AI provider you chose — never to Kalam unless you use Kalam-hosted Max AI.