Connect an AI provider
Hushdesk's AI features need an AI provider key on the server. See which providers work, where a super admin adds the key and how to check it is live.
Last updated 2 min read
Draft with AI, the AI agent, ticket summaries and Ask AI all need an AI provider. Hushdesk connects to the provider at server level, so one key serves every workspace on that server. This guide is for super admins who run a Hushdesk server.
Before you start
- Who can do this: platform super admins only. Store owners and admins do not need to do anything.
- Plan: all plans.
- What you need: a Groq API key (console.groq.com, API Keys) or an Anthropic API key (console.anthropic.com, API Keys), an authenticator app or passkey on your account, and the server's encryption key set.
- Time: about five minutes.
Step by step
- Open the account menu and choose Super admin, then API keys.
- Confirm it is you with your authenticator code or passkey if asked.
- Under AI, paste the Groq API key ("Powers AI drafts, the AI agent and Ask AI today."), or the Anthropic API key ("Optional second AI provider.").
- For an Anthropic key that is not scoped to a workspace, also set Anthropic workspace ID (
wrkspc_…). - Save. Keys are checked for format and stored encrypted.
- Open AI Agent in any workspace and check AI provider shows "Connected: drafts and answers work".
What happens next
Every workspace on the server can now use AI features. Admins still decide whether to switch on the AI agent in their own workspace; it stays off until they do.
| Provider | Key format | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Groq | gsk_… |
Default provider for drafts, the AI agent and Ask AI |
| Anthropic | sk-ant-… |
Optional; used when no Groq key is set |
Without any key, AI buttons show an honest "connect an AI provider" state, such as "Add GROQ_API_KEY or ANTHROPIC_API_KEY on the server", and never a fake answer.
Tips
- Keep keys in the console, not in shared documents. Hushdesk never shows a saved key again.
- Set a spending limit with your AI provider as a second safety net.
- After changing a key, test with Draft with AI on a demo ticket.
Troubleshooting
"Confirm it’s you again (authenticator code or passkey) to change keys."
Open the security check and use your authenticator code or passkey, then save again.
"Set APP_ENCRYPTION_KEY on the server first: keys are stored encrypted with it"
The server's encryption key is missing. Set it in the server environment first.
"That doesn’t look like a groq api key. …"
The key format is wrong. Copy it again from the provider's console.
"Paste the value on one line"
Remove line breaks from the pasted key.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my own AI key to use Hushdesk AI?
Not as a store. The AI provider is set once on the Hushdesk server by its administrators, and every workspace on that server uses it. If you see that AI is not connected, the server does not have a key yet; contact whoever runs your Hushdesk server or support.
Which AI providers does Hushdesk support?
Groq and Anthropic. Groq powers AI drafts, the AI agent and Ask AI today. An Anthropic key is an optional second provider and is used when no Groq key is set. Hushdesk shows an honest not connected state rather than a fake answer when neither is present.
Where does a super admin add the AI key?
In Super admin, API keys, under the AI group. Paste the Groq API key, which starts with gsk_, or the Anthropic API key, which starts with sk-ant-. Keys are checked for the right format, stored encrypted and never shown again after saving.
How do I check that AI is connected?
Open AI Agent. The readiness list shows AI provider with Connected, drafts and answers work when a key is set. Draft with AI in the reply box and Ask AI also start working straight away. If it still says to add a key, the key was not saved.
Why does saving an API key ask me to confirm it is me?
Changing server keys is sensitive, so Hushdesk asks for a fresh check with your authenticator code or passkey, needed every 15 minutes for this kind of change. You need two-step sign-in or a passkey set up on your account first.
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Still stuck?
Chat with the Hushdesk team. A person answers on every plan.