Frequently asked questions

App

What is AirmailAI?

AirmailAI is a bring-your-own-keys LLM chat app, with a focus on security, privacy, and performance.

Do I need an AirmailAI account?

No, AirmailAI doesn't have accounts. You only need API keys from the providers you want to use.

What browsers does AirmailAI support?

AirmailAI supports desktop Chromium-based browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Brave. The AirmailAI browser extension is required.

Why do I need to install a browser extension?

The AirmailAI website is just static files served from a CDN - there are no AirmailAI servers that your keys, chats, or API requests ever pass through. The browser extension acts as that backend: it stores your API keys and sends your requests directly to the provider.

Why can't the website just call the APIs directly?

Not all providers support calling their API directly from a website. Additionally, calling APIs from a website can be dangerous because the website has to store your API keys, where any script running on the page can read them. Our extension keeps your keys isolated from every website, even the official AirmailAI website, by design.

What providers does AirmailAI support?

AirmailAI currently supports OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and OpenRouter, with more providers planned. Let us know if there's a specific provider you'd like us to add!

Can I upload pdfs/images/files?

Yes! AirmailAI supports file uploads. Different providers support different file types, see provider API documentation for details.

Does AirmailAI work on mobile?

Not currently. AirmailAI requires its browser extension and is designed for desktop Chromium-based browsers. If you'd like a mobile app, let us know!

How is this different from using a provider's web app?

Provider web apps are built around that provider's own models, plans, and usage limits. AirmailAI is a bring-your-own-keys client: you can use multiple provider APIs in one UI, pay as you go, and avoid subscription-plan usage limits.

How is this different from using other BYOK apps?

AirmailAI is built to be lightweight, fast, and low-friction. There's no account, no desktop app you have to install, and no AirmailAI server between you and the provider. You install the browser extension, open the app, add your API keys, and it just works.

Privacy, Security, & Data

Does AirmailAI see my conversations?

No. Your messages, attachments, system prompts, and model/request settings are sent from the website UI to the browser extension, then directly to the provider and back to the UI. Your conversations never touch our servers.

The provider you select still receives and processes the data needed to fulfill your request under its own terms, privacy policy, and retention settings. Requests sent through OpenRouter are processed by OpenRouter and the downstream model provider it routes the request to. Provider tools such as web search, URL retrieval, file storage, and code execution may involve additional provider services.

Does AirmailAI host any models?

No, AirmailAI does not host models or run inference servers.

What data do you collect?

The bare minimum needed to host the site. We use AWS CloudFront as our CDN, which necessarily processes your IP address in transit to deliver the site. CloudFront also provides aggregate reports on referrer domains, device type, browser, operating system, and country/US state in a rolling 60-day window. We do not retain any per-request data. See our privacy policy.

How does AirmailAI store and protect my API keys?

We rely on the Chromium extension security model, which isolates your stored API keys from websites and other extensions. Once a key is saved, AirmailAI.net can ask the extension to make a provider request or delete the key, but it cannot read the key back - we intentionally do not expose any code path for reading saved keys. The extension keeps control of the key and only sends it to the provider you choose when making an API request.

Are my chats, files, API keys, or settings synced?

Chats, files, and API keys are not synced. Settings will sync through your browser account if you're signed in. If sync is off, or if your browser keeps extension data local, everything is stored locally on your device and does not sync.

Can I export my chat history?

Yes, you can export chats individually by clicking on the gear button next to the chat in the sidebar or via bulk export in settings.

Can I import chats?

Yes, we currently support importing AirmailAI, LM Studio, and SillyTavern chats. Let us know if there's another app you'd like to import chats from!

Can I delete my data?

Yes. You can delete chats individually via the gear button next to the chat in the sidebar, you can clear API keys individually in settings, and you can delete all local data via settings or by clicking on the extension icon in your browser toolbar. Use that delete-all control before uninstalling the extension: uninstalling alone removes the extension's stored data but can leave the website's local preference caches behind. Files uploaded to provider systems are not deleted automatically - manage those through your provider's controls.

Is AirmailAI open source software?

Yes! AirmailAI is open source under the Apache 2.0 license, see our GitHub.

Costs

Does my ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini subscription include API access?

No. Subscriptions to provider chat apps are separate from their APIs. To use a paid provider API through AirmailAI, you need an API key and may need to set up API billing with that provider.

Is AirmailAI free?

Yes, the AirmailAI website and extension are free. API usage is billed by the respective providers.

How much does using a provider API through AirmailAI cost?

Provider pricing is based on the number of input and output tokens used. Your cost depends on the provider, model, conversation length, attachments, and how much you use it. Lightweight models can be very cheap for everyday chats; large frontier models, long contexts, and heavy daily use cost more.

Does AirmailAI add a markup to provider API costs?

No, AirmailAI does not add a markup or charge per request. Your API usage is billed directly by the providers you use.

Are there free models I can use with AirmailAI?

Yes! OpenRouter offers access to free models, so you can use AirmailAI without paying for API usage. Note that free model providers may retain or train on your prompts and responses, and some may publish your prompts and responses if you opt in.

Where can I get API keys?

Support & Feedback

What if I want to use a provider/model that isn't listed on the site?

Let us know! We're working on adding support for more providers.

I found a bug or ran into an error. Where do I report it?

Please open an issue on our GitHub and include what happened, what you expected, your browser, and any error message you saw.

The AI gave me an incorrect, harmful, or otherwise problematic response. How do I report it?

AirmailAI does not generate, review, or control AI responses. Please report the response to the provider you used. If AirmailAI displayed a response incorrectly or you encountered an app error, open a GitHub issue instead.

I like AirmailAI. How can I help?

Tell your friends! Star the project on GitHub, and share feedback in GitHub Issues. You can also turn on OpenRouter request app tagging in advanced settings, which credits AirmailAI on OpenRouter's public app leaderboard.