Cursor setup with UniRoute
Configure Cursor Chat with a UniRoute API key, OpenAI base URL override, and custom model, then verify usage and fix common errors.
Cursor · pay-as-you-go API
Connect Cursor Chat to UniRoute from Models settings. Save your key, override the OpenAI base URL, and add a custom model.
Best for: Developers asking code questions and chatting in Cursor.
Quick setup
Sign in to create a key and fill it in automatically Sign in
Open Cursor Settings → Models and copy each field. Enable Override OpenAI Base URL as well as entering its value.
OpenAI API Key
YOUR_UNIROUTE_API_KEYOverride OpenAI Base URL
https://api.uniroute.app/v1Add Custom Model
deepseek-v4-flashSetup steps
1. Open Models settings
Open Cursor Settings → Models and find OpenAI API Key.
Custom models require access through a paid Cursor plan.
2. Save the key and override the address
Paste the key above into OpenAI API Key and click Save. Enable Override OpenAI Base URL and enter https://api.uniroute.app/v1.
This override applies to all OpenAI models; restore the previous address and key when switching services.
3. Add the custom model
Click Add Custom Model, enter deepseek-v4-flash, then save and enable the model. Keep the ID complete without adding a provider prefix.
4. Select the model in Chat
Open a new chat, select Ask, and explicitly choose deepseek-v4-flash in the model picker before sending a message.
Custom keys apply to Chat; Tab completion continues to use Cursor’s models.
What these fields do
| Field | Purpose |
|---|---|
| OpenAI API Key | Authenticates to the compatible endpoint with your UniRoute key. |
| Override OpenAI Base URL | Global endpoint for the OpenAI provider; use the public HTTPS address above. |
| Add Custom Model | Adds the exact model ID used by the API. |
| Ask | Chat mode for the initial connection check. |
Choose a model
Confirm the connection
Send a short test: Reply only: OK.
Open usage logs to review the model, request status and charge. The test is a real, billed API request.
Switch back / restore a backup
Open Cursor Settings → Models, disable Override OpenAI Base URL or restore the previous address, restore the previous service’s key, and select your previous chat model.
Not installed yet?
Install the app for your operating system from the official Cursor downloads, open a project, and enter Cursor Settings.
FAQ
Can each model have its own base URL?
The OpenAI base URL override is global. Restore the matching address and key when switching providers.
Can I enter a local or private address?
Use https://api.uniroute.app/v1. Cursor accesses this public endpoint from its servers.
How do UniRoute and Cursor billing relate?
UniRoute charges for API usage. Cursor plan access is managed separately; Teams and Enterprise can also apply Cursor Token Rate to eligible BYOK requests.
Troubleshooting
Model does not work with your plan or API key
Cursor plan access or the selected model needs attention.
Check paid Cursor plan access and select the custom model in Ask.
401
The key is incomplete, revoked, or unsaved.
Paste a valid key in OpenAI API Key and click Save.
Connection failure / 404
The base URL or override toggle is incorrect.
Enable Override OpenAI Base URL and enter https://api.uniroute.app/v1.
Other OpenAI models fail
The global override still points to UniRoute.
Restore the service’s matching address and key when switching back.
Related links
Manage API keys
Model prices