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

# BYOK Configuration

> Set up your own API keys for cloud providers

"og:title": "Stenox Docs"

## Bring Your Own Key

Stenox supports Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) — use your personal API keys with cloud providers. This gives you full control over your accounts and often access to free tiers.

<Tip>
  API keys are stored securely in your **macOS Keychain** and never leave your Mac except to authenticate with your provider.
</Tip>

## Transcription Providers

### DeepGram

**Best for:** High accuracy, real-time transcription

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create Account">
    Visit [console.deepgram.com](https://console.deepgram.com) and sign up
  </Step>

  <Step title="Get Free Credits">
    New accounts receive **\$200 in free credits** — no credit card required initially
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create API Key">
    Go to **API Keys** → **Create Key** → Copy the key
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add to Stenox">
    Settings → **Providers** tab → **DeepGram** → Paste key → Save
  </Step>
</Steps>

[Learn more about DeepGram →](/providers/transcription/deepgram)

***

### Groq Whisper

**Best for:** Ultra-fast, free tier

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create Account">
    Visit [console.groq.com](https://console.groq.com) and sign up with Google or GitHub
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate API Key">
    Go to **API Keys** → **Create API Key** → Copy the key
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add to Stenox">
    Settings → **Providers** tab → **Groq** → Paste key → Save
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Groq has a generous **free tier** with no credit card required.
</Note>

[Learn more about Groq Whisper →](/providers/transcription/groq-whisper)

***

### OpenAI Whisper

**Best for:** Official OpenAI, multi-language

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create Account">
    Visit [platform.openai.com](https://platform.openai.com) and sign up
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Payment">
    Go to **Settings** → **Billing** → Add payment method
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create API Key">
    Go to **API Keys** → **Create new secret key** → Copy immediately
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add to Stenox">
    Settings → **Providers** tab → **OpenAI** → Paste key → Save
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  OpenAI API keys are shown only once. Copy and store securely before closing the dialog.
</Warning>

[Learn more about OpenAI Whisper →](/providers/transcription/openai-whisper)

***

### AssemblyAI

**Best for:** Enterprise, EU compliance

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create Account">
    Visit [assemblyai.com](https://assemblyai.com) and sign up
  </Step>

  <Step title="Get API Key">
    Your API key is shown on the dashboard after sign-up
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add to Stenox">
    Settings → **Providers** tab → **AssemblyAI** → Paste key → Save
  </Step>
</Steps>

[Learn more about AssemblyAI →](/providers/transcription/assemblyai)

***

## AI Enhancement Providers

### Google Gemini

**Best for:** Free tier, excellent quality

<Steps>
  <Step title="Get API Key">
    Visit [aistudio.google.com](https://aistudio.google.com) and sign in with Google
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Key">
    Click **Get API Key** → **Create API key in new project** → Copy
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add to Stenox">
    Settings → **Providers** tab → **Gemini** → Paste key → Save
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Gemini offers **1,500 free requests per day** — no credit card required!
</Tip>

[Learn more about Google Gemini →](/providers/llm/google-gemini)

***

### OpenAI (GPT-4o)

**Best for:** Premium quality enhancement

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create Account">
    Visit [platform.openai.com](https://platform.openai.com) (same as Whisper above)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create API Key">
    Go to **API Keys** → **Create new secret key** → Copy
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add to Stenox">
    Settings → **Providers** tab → **OpenAI** → Paste key → Save
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  One OpenAI API key works for both Whisper (transcription) and GPT-4o (enhancement).
</Note>

[Learn more about OpenAI →](/providers/llm/openai)

***

### Groq LLMs

**Best for:** Ultra-fast, free tier

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create Account">
    Visit [console.groq.com](https://console.groq.com) (same as Groq Whisper above)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create API Key">
    Go to **API Keys** → **Create API Key** → Copy
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add to Stenox">
    Settings → **Providers** tab → **Groq** → Paste key → Save
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  One Groq API key works for both Whisper (transcription) and LLMs (enhancement).
</Note>

[Learn more about Groq LLMs →](/providers/llm/groq-llms)

***

## Local Providers (No Key Required)

### WhisperKit (Transcription)

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Settings → **Models** tab
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select WhisperKit">
    Set **Transcription Provider** to **WhisperKit**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download Model">
    Choose a model (base.en recommended) and click **Download**
  </Step>
</Steps>

No API key needed. Runs entirely on your Mac.

[Learn more about WhisperKit →](/providers/transcription/whisperkit-local)

***

### MLX (AI Enhancement)

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Settings → **Models** tab
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select MLX">
    Set **AI Enhancement Provider** to **MLX**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download Model">
    Choose a model (Qwen 3 1.5B recommended) and click **Download**
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  MLX requires Apple Silicon. Intel Mac users must use cloud providers.
</Warning>

[Learn more about MLX →](/providers/llm/mlx-local)

***

## Free Tier Combinations

Maximize free usage with these provider combinations:

| Setup               | Transcription           | Enhancement   | Cost           |
| ------------------- | ----------------------- | ------------- | -------------- |
| **Stenox Cloud**    | Stenox Cloud            | Stenox Cloud  | $0 ($5 credit) |
| **100% Free Cloud** | Groq Whisper            | Google Gemini | \$0            |
| **100% Local**      | WhisperKit              | MLX           | \$0            |
| **Hybrid**          | Groq Whisper            | MLX (local)   | \$0            |
| **Quality Focus**   | DeepGram (\$200 credit) | Google Gemini | \$0 initially  |

<Note>
  Groq Whisper and Google Gemini both offer free tiers with daily limits — no payment required.
</Note>

## Security Notes

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Keychain Storage" icon="key">
    All API keys are stored in macOS Keychain — the same secure storage used for passwords.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Direct Connection" icon="arrow-right-arrow-left">
    Keys are sent directly to your provider. No intermediary servers.
  </Card>

  <Card title="View/Delete Keys" icon="eye">
    Manage keys anytime in Stenox Settings or macOS Keychain Access.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Provider Policies" icon="file-contract">
    Your provider's privacy policies and enterprise agreements apply to all requests.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Create Profiles" icon="sliders" href="/profiles/creating-profiles">
    Set different providers for different use cases.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Local Setup" icon="lock" href="/providers/local-privacy">
    Go 100% local for complete privacy.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>