---
title: Can I use SmartSearchWP without an OpenAI API key?
description: "This is an FAQ answer for the [Wordpress plugin chatGPT SmartSearchWP](https://www.smartsearchwp.com/en/). No, it's **not possible to use the chatbot without an OpenAI API key**. The API key is **mandatory** to enable the plugin to communicate with OpenAI services and generate…"
url: "https://www.smartsearchwp.com/en/docs/can-i-use-smartsearchwp-without-an-openai-api-key/"
updated: "2026-05-18"
category: General
---

# Can I use SmartSearchWP without an OpenAI API key?

This is an FAQ answer for the [Wordpress plugin chatGPT SmartSearchWP](https://www.smartsearchwp.com/en/).

No, it's **not possible to use the chatbot without an OpenAI API key**. The API key is **mandatory** to enable the plugin to communicate with OpenAI services and generate responses.

If you don't want to use your **main OpenAI account**, you can **create a new, dedicated OpenAI account** to generate a separate API key for this purpose. This keeps your access and billing management separate.

Without a valid API key and available credits on the associated OpenAI account, the chatbot will not work.