# OpenHands setup

OpenHands is an open-source autonomous software agent. It reaches models through LiteLLM, so any OpenAI-compatible API works, including Claudech.

## Before you start

- **A Claudech API key** from [API keys](https://claudech.com/api-keys). API access unlocks after your first purchase.

## Settings

Open **Settings → LLM**, switch on the advanced options and fill in:

| Setting | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Custom Model | `openai/claude-opus-5-5` |
| Base URL | `https://api.claudech.com/v1` |
| API Key | your `sk-...` key |

The `openai/` prefix selects the OpenAI-compatible route; the part after it is the Claudech model id. Save and start a conversation.

## Choosing a model

Autonomous agents run many steps per task. `claude-opus-5-5` is a good default; `claude-fable-5-1` handles the most complex tasks. Repeated context is billed at the cached-input rate automatically.

## Troubleshooting

| Symptom | Fix |
| --- | --- |
| `401` or "invalid API key" | Re-copy the key without spaces; check it is active under **API keys** |
| `404 model_not_found` | Keep the `openai/` prefix and use the Claudech id after it |
| Requests go to OpenAI | The Base URL field is empty; set it to `https://api.claudech.com/v1` |
| `402 insufficient_balance` | Top up under [Billing](https://claudech.com/billing) |

See [all integrations](https://claudech.com/docs/integrations) for other tools. Claudech is an independent service and is not affiliated with the makers of OpenHands.

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Source: https://claudech.com/docs/integrations/openhands