How to Bring Your Own API Keys to MySamantha

Introduction

This post will show you how to use MySamantha's AI features by bringing your own API key from third party providers.

What is BYOK?

"Bring Your Own Key" instead of paying MySamantha a flat fee that gets converted into model usage, you connect your own provider key and the bills go directly to that provider.

You pay only for what you actually use, at the provider's raw price.

Google AI Studio is useful here because you can create your API key directly, drop it into Samantha, and start using it right away.

Step 1: Get a key from Google AI Studio

Head to Google AI Studio and sign up.

Once you're in, click Get API Key and click Create API Key.

Give it a name. If you already have a project imported, pick it. If not, just create one.

Hit Create and copy the key.

So is that it for Google AI Studio? Yes. Just create the key, copy it, and move to the next step.

Step 2: Sign in to MySamantha

Open app.mysamantha.ai and sign in.

Email, Google, Apple, or magic link same deal.

You land on the dashboard.

Step 3: Drop the key into MySamantha

Open Settings → API Keys (BYOK).

Hit + Add Key and pick Google from the dropdown.

Your key is in. Now let's actually use it.

Step 4: Pick Google and chat

Head over to Samantha in the top nav and start a new chat.

Click the Samantha model pill at the bottom. You'll see the full model list grouped by provider. Under Google, you'll see Gemini 3 Pro and Gemini 3 Flash.

Switch the model on the next message and you're talking to a completely different model same context, same chat. If you stick to the free tier on Google AI Studio you can do this without spending anything.

So is that it? Yes. One key, free models, swap whenever.

Your Google AI Studio key is tied to a project, so if you don't see one yet, just create or import one first.

BYOK isn't just for Assistant. You can use it for transcription too.

If you want to set that up, go to Deepgram and sign up.

Create an API key, you won't see it again so paste it somewhere safe for the next step.

Then come back to MySamantha and add it under Settings → API Keys (BYOK).

Select provider Deepgram.

Once that's done, go to Settings → Preferences and turn on Use long transcription key for short transcription too.

So is that it for Deepgram? Yes. Add the key, turn on the preference, and you're done.

Your Deepgram key handles transcription, and if you enable Use long transcription key for short transcription too, Samantha will use it for short audio as well.

So that's the setup. Bring your own keys, plug them into Samantha, and use the models and transcription providers you actually want.

If you like having more control without paying for another full subscription, BYOK is the cleanest way to do it. One app, your keys, your usage, your choice.

Note: BYOK is only available for paid subscription and lifetime users only.