---
url: https://docs.freetheai.org/guides/tavo.md
description: >-
  Use free AI models in the Tavo roleplay app on Android and iPhone. Add
  FreeTheAI as a Custom (OpenAI Protocol) connection with the right base URL.
---

# Tavo

Tavo adds FreeTheAI as a Custom (OpenAI Protocol) API connection. Use the base URL ending in /v1 and a model ID from the models page.

Category: [Roleplay apps](/guides/#roleplay-apps). Before you start, you need a FreeTheAI account, an API key, and today's [check-in](/getting-started/check-in).

## Settings

| Setting | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Model Platform | `Custom (OpenAI Protocol)` |
| API Base URL | `https://api.freetheai.org/v1` |
| API Key | Your FreeTheAI key (`ftai_...`, 53 characters) |
| Model Name | `fta/zai/glm-5.3` |

## Steps

### Open API Connection

Open the menu and tap API Connection, then Add New.

### Choose the platform

Set Model Platform to Custom (OpenAI Protocol).

### Enter your details

Paste your key, the API Base URL ending in /v1 (not /chat/completions), and a model name. Tap Save.

### Make it the default

Open the menu next to the new connection and set it as the default, then start a chat.

## Tips

* Adjust temperature and reply length under Parameter Settings on the connection page.
* To turn off a model's thinking, turn on "Turn thinking off" for your key on the API keys page (scope & settings). It works for every model and needs nothing in Tavo. Adding {"thinking": {"type": "disabled"}} under request body parameters also works on some models.

## Common questions

### Tavo cannot connect. What should I check?

The base URL must be [api.freetheai.org/v1](https://api.freetheai.org/v1), the key must be complete, and you must have checked in today at [freetheai.org/checkin](https://freetheai.org/checkin).

## More help

* [Every API error and its fix](/errors)
* [Limits and the daily reset](/concepts/limits)
* [Tavo website](https://tavoai.dev)

::: info How this guide was checked
Checked against Tavo's help center (Custom OpenAI Protocol guide) on 2026-09-29.
:::