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Get up and running with the llm.kiwi API quickly. This guide walks you through everything from account creation to your first successful response.

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Prerequisites

  • A computer with internet access
  • Python 3.8+ or Node.js 18+ installed
  • A text editor or IDE

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Step 1: Create Your Account

  1. Go to llm.kiwi
  2. Click Get Started or Sign In
  3. Sign in with Google (one-click registration)

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Step 2: Generate an API Key

  1. Navigate to your Dashboard
  2. Go to API Keys section
  3. Click Create New Key
  4. Copy your key immediately
Your API key is only shown once. Save it in a secure location like a password manager or environment variable.

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Step 3: Set Up Your Environment

Store your API key as an environment variable: 
export LLM_KIWI_API_KEY="your-api-key-here"

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Step 4: Install the SDK

llm.kiwi is fully compatible with the OpenAI SDK: 
pip install openai

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Step 5: Make Your First Request

from openai import OpenAI
import os

# Initialize the client
client = OpenAI(
    base_url="https://api.llm.kiwi/v1",
    api_key=os.environ.get("LLM_KIWI_API_KEY")
)

# Make a chat completion request
response = client.chat.completions.create(
    model="default",
    messages=[
        {"role": "user", "content": "Hello! What can you help me with?"}
    ]
)

# Print the response
print(response.choices[0].message.content)

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Expected Output

You should see a response like: 
Hello! I can help you with many things including:
- Answering questions
- Writing and editing text
- Coding assistance
- Analysis and research
...

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Troubleshooting

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”Invalid API key”

  • Double-check your key is correct
  • Ensure no extra spaces or quotes
  • Verify the key is active in your dashboard

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”Connection refused”

  • Check your internet connection
  • Verify the base URL is https://api.llm.kiwi/v1

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Empty response

  • Ensure messages array is formatted correctly
  • Check that model name is valid (fast, pro, or default)

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What’s Next?

Available Models

Understand the differences between pro, fast, and default.

Build a Chatbot

Create a multi-turn conversational application.

Rate Limits

Understand usage limits and how to optimize.

API Reference

Explore all available parameters and options.