Create a dedicated OpenAI API key for Parlato, check that API billing is ready, and connect the key inside WordPress without exposing it publicly.
Important: ChatGPT and the OpenAI API are separate services. A ChatGPT subscription does not automatically include API usage for WordPress plugins.
Step 1
Check your OpenAI account
Go to the OpenAI developer platform and sign in. Use the account or organization that should own the API usage for this website.
If you only use ChatGPT today, this is the moment to create or confirm your developer platform access. Parlato uses the OpenAI API, not your ChatGPT web session.
Step 2
Open API keys
Open API keys in the OpenAI platform. If you work with multiple projects, choose the project you want to use for this WordPress site before creating the key.
Step 3
Create a new key
Choose the action to create a new secret key. Give it a recognizable name such as Parlato WordPress or the domain name of the site.
Use a dedicated key for Parlato instead of reusing a key from another app. Dedicated keys are easier to rotate later and make usage easier to understand.
Step 4
Copy and store it safely
Copy the full key when OpenAI shows it. The complete secret may only be visible once, so store it in your password manager before closing the dialog.
Never place the key in public page content, screenshots, theme files, plugin files, Git commits, email threads, or support messages. If a key is exposed, revoke it in OpenAI and create a new one.
Step 5
Check billing and usage
Open Billing and confirm that your organization can use the API. Depending on your account, you may need to add credits, a payment method, or usage limits before API requests work.
You can monitor API activity from the Usage dashboard. Start with a low limit while testing a new site.
Step 6
Open Parlato settings
In WordPress admin, open Parlato Settings. Go to the provider or AI settings area where OpenAI is configured.
If you are setting up Parlato for the first time, keep the OpenAI tab open in your browser until the connection test passes.
Step 7
Paste and test the API key
Paste the key into the OpenAI API key field, save the settings, and run Parlato’s connection check if it is available.
If the test fails, make sure the key is complete, billing is active, and the key belongs to the intended OpenAI project or organization.
Step 8
Next step
If OpenAI is your only provider, continue to First Audio. If you also want premium voice options, create an ElevenLabs API key before generating your first production audio.
For official OpenAI security guidance, read Best practices for API key safety.