Docs FAQ
Answers to the questions nRouter users ask first: getting a key, models, streaming, fallbacks, pricing with 0% markup, rate limits, and request costs.
Quick-reference answers to common questions about nRouter keys, model routing, rate limits (RPM/TPM), 0% markup pricing, and account management. Each topic links directly to comprehensive guide documentation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get an API key?
Generate an sk-nrouter-* key under API Keys in the dashboard. See Authentication.
Which SDK should I use?
Use the official TypeScript (@nrouter_ai/sdk) or Python (nrouter-sdk) SDK, or any OpenAI client. See SDKs.
Why should I use nRouter?
One key accesses all model providers at exact list price with 0% markup, in-path guardrails, and unified billing. See Why nRouter.
Which models can I use?
Any model in the catalog — view Models or route dynamically with nrouter/auto.
What does nrouter/auto do?
Selects an eligible model per request (Best for the task or Lowest cost), returned in x-nr-model and request logs.
How do fallbacks work?
List fallback models in nrouter_fallbacks to retry on upstream 429, 503, 529, or connect errors (up to 3 total). See Per-Request Options.
How does streaming work?
Set stream: true for server-sent events (SSE). See Chat Completions.
How do rate limits work?
Limits are enforced per key, team, and budget, returning 429 with x-nr-limit-source and Retry-After. See Errors & Rate Limits.
What formats can I send in a request?
Text and image payloads (base64 or URLs). See Send Image Input.
What does nRouter charge for models?
Exact provider list price with 0% token markup and 0% platform fee.
How am I charged?
Pay as you go from pre-funded credits; exact deductions return in x-nr-request-cost. See Billing.
Are there plans or tiers?
All accounts include full capabilities (guardrails, budgets, routing, and analytics) on Pay as you go.
Can I use my own provider keys (BYOK)?
No. nRouter provides unified keys across all clouds so governance applies uniformly. See Why no BYOK.
Why did my request return 402?
Zero balance (insufficient_credits) or spend ceiling reached (budget_exceeded). See Errors & Rate Limits.
Where do I see what a request cost?
In the x-nr-request-cost header and dashboard request logs.
What data is logged about my requests?
Request metadata (model, tokens, cost) is logged; prompt and completion content is never written to the log. See Settings.
What analytics are available?
Cost, Usage, Performance, Key Usage, and API Consumers reports with CSV export. See Analytics & Reports.
How does team access work?
Four roles (Viewer, Member, Org Admin, Owner) control permissions and key scopes. See Team Management.
How do I get support?
Email support@nrouter.ai.
How do I delete my organization?
In Settings under Danger zone (/settings/danger-zone) after removing all other members.
Next steps
- Quick Start — Make your first API call
- Authentication — API key configuration
- Errors & Rate Limits — Error status codes and retries