Keep the working setup intact
- Your current provider key returns OK.
- Your agent already answers with the selected free model.
Separate the provider from the model
The provider is the service connection. The model is the brain selected through it.
One provider can offer many models. Changing the daemon default does not create a new agent, and changing one agent later does not need to change every other agent.
Read the provider ID from your machine
armaraos models providers
Use the exact id in your output. Help examples are not a complete inventory. The configured status means ArmaraOS found a stored credential.
Find a current free model with tools
armaraos models list --provider openrouter
Find an ID ending in :free. On the capture date the live list contained nine. Prefer a record with supports_tools: true because later modules need tool use. Your current catalog is the authority.
Recognize a free-tier failure
Free access can be throttled, and catalog entries can change.
A throttled request is not a broken installation and is not proof of a bill. Re-list the provider, wait when required, and choose another current free entry if a model leaves. Check the provider's current terms before relying on a dated promise.
Test the stored key without revealing it
armaraos config test-key openrouter
OK proves that the stored credential can authenticate now. It does not promise that every model remains available.
Know the credential entry and exit
armaraos config set-key <PROVIDER>armaraos config delete-key <PROVIDER>set-key prompts interactively. delete-key removes the local copy. Do not delete a working key for practice unless you can enter it again. Local deletion is not provider-side revocation.
Never record credential input. If the current key works, leave it unchanged.
Use JSON for the real alias mapping
armaraos models aliases --json
The human table prints question marks in this build. JSON returns the actual 105-entry mapping. Inspect what an alias resolves to before using it.
Set deliberately and confirm authoritatively
armaraos models set <MODEL>armaraos status
models set changes the daemon-wide default for new agents. If the current selection is correct, do not change it for theater. Status is the final confirmation.
Check it / run this yourself
Point to the selected provider and model.
armaraos statusConfirm that the model still appears in today's filtered provider list and that its ID ends in :free if zero model cost is your requirement.
A provider key is a live identity even when the selected model is free. Keep the ArmaraOS home directory out of source control and shared folders. Removing the local key does not revoke it at the provider.
Troubleshooting for this sitting
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Key test is not OK | Wrong provider ID, stale key, or network failure. | Read the ID from providers, then set and test the key again. |
| A free model fails | The catalog or availability changed. | Choose a current :free ID with tool support. |
| Alias output shows question marks | Known human-display defect. | Use models aliases --json. |
| Status shows the old model | The selection did not complete. | Set the exact current ID, then check status again. |