How to add a custom model provider in Trae
Trae accepts custom model providers through its AI settings. Add an OpenAI-compatible provider, set the base URL to https://api.quickrouter.homes/v1, paste your gateway key and add the model ids you want in the model selector.
Last updated: October 2026What you need before you start
Trae has both packaged and custom model paths. Only the custom path lets you point at your own endpoint, so start there.
- A QuickRouter account with an active plan and an API key from the console.
- The base URL https://api.quickrouter.homes/v1 for an OpenAI-compatible provider entry.
- The model ids you plan to use, for example gpt-5, claude-sonnet-4-5 or deepseek-v3.2.
- A Trae build that exposes custom providers in its AI settings; older builds hide the option.
Add the gateway as a custom provider
Add the provider in the AI settings, then select it in the model picker. Providers that are configured but not selected stay unused.
- 01
Open the AI settings
In Trae, open Settings and find the section that lists model providers, then add a custom or OpenAI-compatible provider.
- 02
Enter the endpoint and key
Use the full OpenAI-style path and your gateway key.
Base URL: https://api.quickrouter.homes/v1 API key: sk-qr-your-key - 03
Add model ids
Register each model you want selectable. Names must match how the gateway serves them.
gpt-5 claude-sonnet-4-5 deepseek-v3.2 - 04
Select it in a session
Choose the new provider and model in the chat panel, send a short prompt, then confirm the request in the gateway console usage view.
Errors you are most likely to hit
The common failure here is configuration drift: the provider is created correctly but the session is still using a built-in model.
| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Still billed by another provider | The session is using a built-in model | Select the custom provider in the model picker before prompting |
| 404 from the API | The base URL is missing /v1 | Set the base URL to https://api.quickrouter.homes/v1 |
| 401 or invalid key | The key was pasted into the wrong provider entry | Re-copy the key and paste it into the custom provider only |
| Tool calls fail on a reasoning model | The model does not expose tool calling through the gateway | Pick gpt-5, gpt-5-mini or claude-sonnet-4-5 for tool-heavy work |
| The provider disappears after an update | An editor update reset its provider store | Re-add the provider and keep the values in your notes or secret manager |
Which models should Trae use?
Editor agents alternate between long context reads and short edits, so pair a long-context model for reading with a cheaper one for the edits.
Frequently asked questions
Can Trae use a custom OpenAI-compatible endpoint?+
Yes, through the custom provider option in its AI settings. The packaged model list does not accept a custom endpoint.
Should the base URL include /v1?+
Yes. Set the base URL to https://api.quickrouter.homes/v1.
Why does the gateway console show no requests?+
The session is probably still using a built-in model. Select the custom provider in the model picker and send another prompt.
Where do I get help with a tool that will not connect?+
Mail support@quickrouter.homes with the tool name, the exact error text and the request id when you have one. A trailing /v1 or a key copied with whitespace explains most of these reports.
One key covers every model in this guide
Create an account, pick a plan and copy an API key. Gateway plans start at $19 per month and model usage is billed at upstream list prices.