# Continue with AnyRouter — free models, one API key

> Point Continue's config.yaml at AnyRouter's OpenAI-compatible base URL. Run free models with anyrouter/free, or any model with one key.


# Continue with AnyRouter

[Continue](https://continue.dev) talks to any OpenAI-compatible API through its `openai` provider and an `apiBase` override. Point it at AnyRouter and you get free models through `anyrouter/free`, every catalog model behind one `sk-ar-` key, and a log row for each request.

## Set it up

::::steps

:::step{title="Create an AnyRouter key"}
Open [Dashboard → Keys](https://anyrouter.dev/dashboard/keys) and create a key. Every AnyRouter inference key starts with `sk-ar-`.
:::

:::step{title="Add AnyRouter models to config.yaml"}
Edit `~/.continue/config.yaml` (Windows: `%USERPROFILE%\.continue\config.yaml`) and add models with `provider: openai` and AnyRouter's base URL:

```yaml
name: My Config
version: 0.0.1
schema: v1

models:
  - name: AnyRouter Free
    provider: openai
    model: anyrouter/free
    apiBase: https://anyrouter.dev/api/v1
    apiKey: ${{ secrets.ANYROUTER_API_KEY }}
    roles:
      - chat
      - edit
      - apply

  - name: AnyRouter Auto
    provider: openai
    model: anyrouter/auto
    apiBase: https://anyrouter.dev/api/v1
    apiKey: ${{ secrets.ANYROUTER_API_KEY }}
```

Store your `sk-ar-` key as the `ANYROUTER_API_KEY` secret rather than pasting it into the file. For a local `config.yaml`, add `ANYROUTER_API_KEY=sk-ar-...` to `~/.continue/.env`; on Continue Hub, add it as a secret.
:::

:::step{title="Pick the model and check the logs"}
Choose **AnyRouter Free** in Continue's model picker, send a message, then open your [request logs](https://anyrouter.dev/dashboard/logs). The request appears with the model that answered, tokens, and cost.
:::

::::

:::tip
Don't give `anyrouter/free` the `autocomplete` role. Continue sends a request on almost every keystroke, which would use up the free daily cap in minutes; keep autocomplete on a separate fast model.
:::

## Which model id to use

| Model id | What it does |
|---|---|
| `anyrouter/free` | Routes to the best free model available right now, with automatic fallback. No credits used. |
| `anyrouter/auto` | Picks from top models (free and paid) with health-aware failover. Paid members use credits. |
| `owner/model` | A specific model, for example `z-ai/glm-5.2`. Copy ids from the [catalog](https://anyrouter.dev/models). |

## Free models

`anyrouter/free` costs nothing and needs no provider keys. It is capped per account per day: **10 requests/day** on the Free plan and **1000 requests/day** on paid plans, reset at 00:00 UTC. Details: [Free Tier](/features/free-tier).

## Bring your own keys

Already pay for a provider? Add its key in AnyRouter and Continue uses it through the same `apiBase`. BYOK requests are billed by your provider and do not count against the free daily cap. See [Use your own provider keys](/guides/byok-provider-keys) and [BYOK](/features/byok).

## Troubleshooting

**401** — `apiKey` does not resolve to an active `sk-ar-` key. Check the secret name and the key in [Dashboard → Keys](https://anyrouter.dev/dashboard/keys).

**404 or model not found** — `model` must match an AnyRouter id exactly, including the `owner/` prefix, and `apiBase` must end in `/api/v1`.

**429 `free_tier_daily_limit_exceeded`** — you used today's free requests. Wait for 00:00 UTC, add credits, or switch to a BYOK model.

**400 `no_eligible_models` on `anyrouter/auto` or `anyrouter/free`** — your privacy or routing settings (for example Zero Data Retention or blocked providers) excluded every candidate. Relax them in the dashboard, or pick a specific model.

## Related

- [AnyRouter CLI](/cli)
- [Cline](/guides/cline) · [Kilo Code](/guides/kilo-code) · [OpenCode](/guides/opencode) · [Claude Code](/guides/claude-code) · [Codex](/guides/codex)
- [Free Tier](/features/free-tier)


## Related

- [Free Tier](/docs/features/free-tier.md)
- [Get a provider API key](/docs/guides/byok-provider-keys.md)
- [Bring Your Own Key (BYOK)](/docs/features/byok.md)
- [AnyRouter CLI](/docs/cli.md)
- [Cline with AnyRouter — free models, one API key](/docs/guides/cline.md)
- [Kilo Code with AnyRouter — free models, one API key](/docs/guides/kilo-code.md)
- [OpenCode with AnyRouter — free models, one API key](/docs/guides/opencode.md)