# Kilo Code with AnyRouter — free models, one API key

> Add AnyRouter to Kilo Code as a custom OpenAI-compatible provider. Set the base URL, then run free models with anyrouter/free.


# Kilo Code with AnyRouter

[Kilo Code](https://kilo.ai) supports custom OpenAI-compatible providers, so it can use AnyRouter directly. 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 as a custom provider"}
In Kilo Code, open **Settings** (gear icon) → **Providers**, scroll to the bottom, and click **Custom provider**. Fill in:

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| **Provider ID** | `anyrouter` |
| **Display name** | `AnyRouter` |
| **Provider API** | `OpenAI Compatible` |
| **Base URL** | `https://anyrouter.dev/api/v1` |
| **API key** | your `sk-ar-` key |
| **Models** | `anyrouter/free` (add `anyrouter/auto` or any catalog id too) |

Kilo Code can read the model list from AnyRouter's `/models` endpoint. If a model is missing, type its id in **Models** by hand.
:::

:::step{title="Pick the model and check the logs"}
Select an AnyRouter model in Kilo Code, run a task, then open your [request logs](https://anyrouter.dev/dashboard/logs). The request appears with the model that answered, tokens, and cost.
:::

::::

:::tip
Kilo Code is an agent that calls tools. Pick a model that supports tool calling — browse [Chat Completions models](https://anyrouter.dev/models?endpoint=chat-completions).
:::

## 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. An agent sends many requests per task, so the Free plan cap goes quickly. Details: [Free Tier](/features/free-tier).

## Bring your own keys

Already pay for a provider? Add its key in AnyRouter and Kilo Code uses it through the same base URL. 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** — the API key field does not hold an active `sk-ar-` key. Check it in [Dashboard → Keys](https://anyrouter.dev/dashboard/keys).

**404 or model not found** — the model id must match an AnyRouter id exactly, including the `owner/` prefix.

**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) · [Continue](/guides/continue) · [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)
- [Continue with AnyRouter — free models, one API key](/docs/guides/continue.md)
- [OpenCode with AnyRouter — free models, one API key](/docs/guides/opencode.md)