---
url: https://docs.freetheai.org/getting-started/check-in.md
description: >-
  Free FreeTheAI models need a short check-in on freetheai.org once a day. What
  it is, when it resets, and what to do when the API says check-in required.
---

# Daily check-in

Free models unlock after a short check-in on [freetheai.org](https://freetheai.org), once a day. The check-in keeps free capacity for real people. It takes a few seconds and lasts until **00:00 UTC**, when the daily free requests reset too.

## How to check in

1. Sign in on [freetheai.org](https://freetheai.org).
2. Open the check-in ([freetheai.org/checkin](https://freetheai.org/checkin)) and finish the short challenge.
3. Send your request again. Your key does not change, and nothing changes in your app.

Your dashboard shows when the next check-in opens.

::: tip Only you can do it
The check-in is done by a person in a browser, not by code or an agent. Scripts, bots, and AI agents should not try to check in on someone's behalf; tell the person to do it on freetheai.org.
:::

## What the API says without it

Until you have checked in today, free models answer `403` with:

```text
Daily check-in required for free models. Visit https://freetheai.org/checkin to solve the captcha.
```

In apps this often shows up as a generic "403" or "forbidden" error. Check in, then retry. Paid models, when they arrive, never need a check-in.

## If the check-in does not work

* Use Chrome, Edge, or Safari.
* Turn off ad blockers and other extensions for freetheai.org, or use a private window.
* Turn off any VPN, and stay on one connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) until you finish.
* If it still fails, try another browser or device.

Still stuck? Ask in the [Discord](https://discord.gg/secrets) or open a ticket from **Dashboard > Support** with a screenshot of what you see.

## Related

* [Limits and the daily reset](/concepts/limits)
* [Every error message](/errors)