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[ARTICLE · art-152031] src=uptokey.com ↗ pub= topic=ai-tools verified=true sentiment=· neutral

Local-first AI proxy with keys in your OS vault

Uptokey launched a local-first AI proxy that stores users' API keys in the operating system's secure storage rather than in Uptokey's cloud, with local models and bring-your-own-key (BYOK) usage free and no Uptokey account required. The tool, started via `npx uptokey` or `npx uptokey start`, connects OpenAI-compatible clients, MCP tools and governed service APIs, and its proxy core is released under AGPL-3.0-or-later. Paid tiers cost USD 5 per month for included cloud models plus USD 3 in additional AI budget per paid month, and Uptokey says its cloud does not hold the keys it uses to authenticate with the user's chosen provider.

read2 min views3 publishedOct 17, 2026
Local-first AI proxy with keys in your OS vault
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Your workspace

Choose models, work with files, and keep conversations together.

Chat, code, and connect your tools with cloud or local AI.

npx uptokey No Uptokey account required for local models or BYOK.

Choose the shortest path. You can add more models, providers, and tools later without rebuilding your setup.

Choose a model, use the tools you know, and follow every request.

Start in your browser, code in the terminal, or connect your editor. Choose the route that fits your work.

Opens the coding TUI and starts the local proxy automatically.

Use the browser workspace for chat, connections, files, models, usage, and settings. Extract the ZIP and open Uptokey.exe. The local proxy starts automatically.

Chat, review changes, and run checks without leaving your editor.

Pair coding tools and editor clients with a revocable local token.

Start the local proxy

npx uptokey start Connect OpenAI-compatible clients, MCP tools, and governed service APIs.

Uptokey detects the local runtime and available memory, ranks compatible model families, and shows the official command before any download starts.

One workspace. Your choice of models and how to pay for them.

Free

Local models and BYOK (your own API keys) are always free. No Uptokey account or subscription required.

Chat with included cloud models. Sign in and start, with no API key or payment card.

USD 5/ month

More cloud AI in the same workspace. Keep your chats, models, and connections.

USD 3 additional AI budget per paid month

Your API keys are kept in your operating system’s secure storage. Uptokey uses them to authenticate with your chosen provider; Uptokey’s cloud does not hold those keys.

Choose provider priority. Cross-provider fallback depends on your consent and configuration.

Follow usage and status locally. Use the web dashboard when you need device management.

Inspect the local proxy, adapt the workflow, and keep the ability to run local models or your own provider accounts without a subscription.

proxy/core Proxy core: AGPL-3.0-or-later Opens the coding TUI and starts the local proxy automatically. No Uptokey account required for local models or BYOK.

Run the terminal beta now, or open the quick start for the visual workspace and compatible tools.

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