Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 16 January 2026

What are free models?

Free models are powerful AI models that don't require additional credits or fees to use. These models are provided through OpenRouter and are perfect for most everyday tasks like writing emails, brainstorming ideas, answering questions, and general conversation.

Current top free models include:

  • • Grok 4.1 Fast - Fast and capable for general tasks
  • • GPT-OSS-20B - OpenAI's open-source model
  • • Kimi K2 - Great for reasoning and analysis
  • • DeepSeek R1 - Advanced reasoning capabilities
  • • GLM-4.5 Air - Efficient and versatile
  • • Dolphin Mistral 24B - Strong performance for various tasks
  • • Qwen3-235B - Large-scale model for complex queries
  • • DeepSeek Chat V3 - Conversational AI specialist
  • • Gemma 3-27B - Google's efficient model

These models handle about 80% of typical chat needs and are included with your yearly subscription at no extra cost. No setup required—just start chatting!

What are premium models?

Premium models are advanced AI models that offer enhanced capabilities for complex tasks, advanced reasoning, and specialized use cases. These models typically provide better accuracy, deeper understanding, and more sophisticated responses for challenging questions.

Current premium models include:

  • • GPT-5.1 Chat - OpenAI's latest flagship model
  • • Claude Sonnet 4.5 - Anthropic's advanced reasoning model
  • • Grok 4.1 Fast - X.AI's premium offering
  • • Gemini 3 Pro Preview - Google's most capable model
  • • Kimi K2 Thinking - Advanced reasoning capabilities
  • • MiniMax M2 - High-performance model
  • • GLM-4.6 - Latest from Z-AI

Premium models are ideal for complex analysis, advanced problem-solving, creative writing, and tasks that require deep reasoning. They're available with the monthly subscription plan.

What's the difference between yearly and monthly plans?

Yearly Plan ($10/year)

  • ✓ Unlimited messages
  • ✓ Unlimited access to all free models
  • ✓ Perfect for everyday use
  • ✓ Save 92% compared to monthly
  • ✓ Access to MCP tools (maps, search, etc.)

Best for: Casual users, students, and anyone who primarily uses free models for writing, brainstorming, and general AI assistance.

Monthly Plan ($10/month)

  • ✓ 1,000 messages per month
  • ✓ Access to all models (premium + free)
  • ✓ Premium model access (GPT-5.1, Claude, etc.)
  • ✓ Web search capabilities
  • ✓ Access to MCP tools

Best for: Power users, professionals, and anyone who needs premium models for advanced tasks, complex analysis, or heavy usage.

Key insight: Free models power about 80% of typical chats and are excellent for most tasks. The monthly plan is your "flex pass" if you need heavy premium model usage or advanced capabilities.

What are MCP tools?

MCP (Model Context Protocol) tools extend ChatLima's capabilities beyond basic chat. These integrations allow the AI to interact with external services and perform real-world actions.

Examples of MCP tools include:

  • • Google Maps - Get directions, find places, check locations
  • • Web Search - Search the internet for current information
  • • File Operations - Read and write files on your system
  • • Code Execution - Run code snippets and see results
  • • Database Access - Query databases and retrieve data
  • • API Integrations - Connect to various third-party services

MCP tools make ChatLima more powerful by allowing the AI to take actions, not just answer questions. For example, you can ask "Show me directions to the nearest coffee shop" and the AI can use Google Maps to provide real directions.

Do I need an OpenRouter account?

No! ChatLima handles everything for you. You don't need to sign up for OpenRouter, manage API keys, or purchase credits separately. When you subscribe to ChatLima, we handle all the technical setup and provide you with a seamless experience. Just sign in and start chatting—we take care of rest.

ChatLima provides additional features and a polished interface that you won't find on OpenRouter directly, including MCP tool integrations, preset management, and a user-friendly chat interface.

How do I use my own OpenRouter API key?

ChatLima supports Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) functionality, allowing you to use your own OpenRouter API key if you prefer. This gives you full control over your AI usage and billing through OpenRouter directly.

Benefits of using your own API key:

  • • Direct billing through your OpenRouter account
  • • Access to all models you've purchased or have access to
  • • Bypasses ChatLima credit system and message limits
  • • Full control over your API usage and spending
  • • Real-time model availability based on your OpenRouter account

How to configure your OpenRouter API key in ChatLima:

  1. Get your OpenRouter API key:
    • Sign up or log in to OpenRouter
    • Navigate to the "Keys" section in your dashboard
    • Click "Create Key" and give it a name like "ChatLima"
    • Copy the API key (starts with sk-or-v1-)
  2. Add the key to ChatLima:
    • Open ChatLima and click the settings icon (⚙️) near the model selector
    • Find the "OpenRouter API Key" field
    • Paste your API key
    • Click "Save"
  3. Start using your models:
    • The model list will automatically refresh to show all available models
    • Models you have access to will be marked as available
    • Your usage will be billed directly to your OpenRouter account

Notes and Tips:

  • • Your API key is stored locally in your browser and is never sent to ChatLima servers
  • • You can remove or replace your API key at any time from the settings
  • • The key is only used to make requests directly to OpenRouter
  • • If you remove the key, you'll revert to ChatLima's subscription-based access
  • • Model availability updates instantly when you add or remove your API key

Can I switch plans?

Yes! You can switch between plans at any time. Here's how it works:

  • If you have a yearly plan and want premium models, you can upgrade to monthly
  • If you have a monthly plan and want to save money, you can switch to yearly
  • One subscription replaces the other—you can only have one active subscription at a time
  • Changes take effect immediately

To switch plans, visit the upgrade page and select your preferred plan. You'll be guided through the checkout process.

What happens if I cancel?

You can cancel your subscription at any time with no penalties or fees. Your subscription will remain active until the end of your current billing period. After cancellation:

  • You'll continue to have access to all features until your current period ends
  • You won't be charged for the next billing cycle
  • Your account and chat history will be preserved
  • You can resubscribe anytime

To cancel, visit your subscription management portal from the upgrade page or contact support.

How do I manage my subscription?

Managing your subscription is easy:

  • Visit the upgrade page and click "Manage your subscription"
  • You'll be taken to your subscription portal where you can:
    • View your current plan and billing details
    • Update payment methods
    • Cancel or modify your subscription
    • View billing history

Still have questions?

We're here to help! If you have any other questions, please contact us: