> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://nango.dev/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# OpenRouter - How do I link my account?

## Overview

To authenticate with OpenRouter, you need:

1. **API Key** — A key that grants Nango access to the OpenRouter API on your behalf.

This guide will walk you through creating your API key.

### Prerequisites

* An OpenRouter account.

### Step 1: Create your API key

1. Log in to OpenRouter and go to the [**API Keys**](https://openrouter.ai/settings/keys) page in your settings.
2. Create a new key and give it a name, such as `Nango`.
3. Choose a **credit limit**. OpenRouter recommends setting a limit on every key so that a leaked key can't spend your entire balance.
4. Set **Expiration** to **No expiration** so the key doesn't expire and break the connection.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/nango/aNPvsymiKnX5h9bI/api-integrations/openrouter/create_api_key.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=aNPvsymiKnX5h9bI&q=85&s=bb26f533c094eecb8b53563562bbdb86" width="3024" height="1356" data-path="api-integrations/openrouter/create_api_key.png" />

5. Copy the generated key. It starts with `sk-or-v1-`.

### Step 2: Enter your API key in the Connect UI

1. Open the form where you need to authenticate with OpenRouter.
2. Enter your **API Key** in the designated field.
3. Submit the form, and you should be successfully authenticated.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/nango/aNPvsymiKnX5h9bI/api-integrations/openrouter/form.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=aNPvsymiKnX5h9bI&q=85&s=2e0535154aaa7b6a3da1b99d34199336" style={{maxWidth: "450px" }} width="998" height="1232" data-path="api-integrations/openrouter/form.png" />

You are now connected to OpenRouter.