How to use DeepSeek on Janitor AI?

Aiden Scott

October 11, 2025

If you are looking forward to making more natural and more enjoyable Janitor AI chats, the addition of DeepSeek could be a very fundamental step. The chats and conversations feel smoother as the AI can understand the context a little better and can provide replies in a more human-like way.

Whether you are chatting, writing, or just role-playing, you will notice smart responses from AI because the AI can keep up with multiple complex ideas. It also provides rich interactions. In addition, DeepSeek assists you in fine-tuning and tailoring the settings so that the AI fixes according to your desire.

Checklist Before You Start Using DeepSeek on Janitor AI

It is very important to have some essentials ready before you connect DeepSeek with the Janitor AI. You can begin by making an OpenRouter account, as it permits you to connect the DeepSeek with the Janitor AI.

Then, get the Chutes API key, which is needed to address the requests smoothly. Also, bring your Targon API key, which assists you in unlocking full access to the features of DeepSeek.

Lastly, ensure that you already have the account of Janitor AI, as it is the place where you will implement all these things. Therefore, having all these accounts as well as all these keys ready in advance helps you to set up faster alongside free of hassle.

Step-by-Step Guide to Use DeepSeek on Janitor AI

Well, getting your DeepSeek working on the Janitor AI could take only a few essential steps. You must follow this guide very carefully to set up all the things without any issues. Steps are as follows:

Step 1: Create and Set Up Your OpenRouter Account

Begin by making a new account on OpenRouter. As this platform plays the role of a middle layer that also connects DeepSeek with the Janitor AI. Once you are already signed up, then verify your email as well as log in to access your dashboard.

How to create an account:

Click your “profile icon” in the top-right corner.

From the menu, select “Keys”.

Click on “Create API Key”.

Give your key a name, something simple like Janitor Connection works great.

When the API key shows up, copy it right away and save it in your Notepad or anywhere safe on your computer.

Note: If you leave the page without copying it, you won’t be able to see it again, so make sure to save it before you go.

Step 2: Generate Your Chutes API Key and Connect It

Go to the Chutes account and then make a new updated API key. This key permits all your requests to be processed protectively. Then copy the key alongside to keep it secure as you will be utilizing it in the next upcoming step.

How to generate Chutes API key:

Firstly, visit the Chutes AI and create an account.
Then click on the option of “API” option available on the top navigation.

Then scroll the screen a little down and then press on the “Create API key” option.

At last, decide on a name for the key, then create the key, and at last, copy it.

Step 3: Link Chutes to OpenRouter

Go Back to the OpenRouter.
Click on your “Profile Pic” and select “Settings”.
From the left side menu, choose “Integrations (BYOK)”
Scroll down and click “show more”.
Find “Chutes” and click on it.
Then, paste the “Chutes API key” there and save it.

Once it is linked, OpenRouter can get engaged and communicate with the Chutes running in the background.

Step 4: Generate Your Targon API Key and Connect It

In the next step, log in to your Targon account and then create an API key. Just like with the Chutes, first copy the key and then connect it to the OpenRouter. This will unlock the advanced capabilities of the DeepSeek.

How to Get Your Targon API Key:

Go to Targon.com and sign up for an account.
Next, click on Dashboard in the top-right.
At the top right, click on API Key and copy your Targon API key. Make sure to save it somewhere safe, as you’ll need it later during the setup process.

After that, connect the Targon key to OpenRouter using the same method you followed for Chutes.

Step 5: Create Your Main OpenRouter API Key

After you are done linking the Chutes and Targon, go to the OpenRouter dashboard and then generate the main API key. This is called the master key, and you will see it inside the Janitor AI to connect everything.

How to create the main key:

Go to API Keys in your OpenRouter dashboard.
Click Create API Key.
Give it a name that makes sense to you, such as Main DeepSeek Key.
Copy and save it securely.

Step 6: Set Up Janitor AI and Integrate DeepSeek

Now you’re ready to connect everything inside Janitor AI.

Log in to your Janitor AI account and open the Settings page.
Choose any character, then scroll down to find the chat options.
Click the three-line menu in the top corner, then go to API Settings → Proxy.
Switch back to OpenRouter and search for DeepSeek.
Find your preferred version and copy its permalink (use the one that’s not the root domain).
Paste the permalink into the Model Name field in Janitor AI.
Paste your main OpenRouter key into the key box and save changes.
Finally, select DeepSeek as your active model.

You are done, DeepSeek is now connected to Janitor AI!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, even having the right setup, you may run into some hiccups when connecting DeepSeek with the Janitor AI. Here are a few highly common problems, and also how to fix these problems.

1. Invalid API key

It means that the system can not remember your API key

Fix: Must double-check that you have copied the full key without any extra spaces. If it fails, then regenerate the new key again from the OpenRouter, Chutes, or the Targon. It depends on which one resulted in the error. Must always replace the previous key in your Janitor AI settings.

2. Proxy error

It means that the Janitor AI is not able to connect through the OpenRouter accurately.

Fix: Must ensure that Targon and Chutes keys are accurately linked in the OpenRouter. Clear the browser cache, and then log in again. If the error still persists, go check if the server of OpenRouter is facing any downtime, as sometimes the error is not on your side.

3. Model not loading in the Janitor AI

It means that even after the setup, the DeepSeek does not appear as the model choice in the Janitor AI.

Fix: Firstly, make sure that your main key of OpenRouter is also active and is properly pasted in the Janitor AI. Then refresh the overall page again and try it again. If the model still does not load, verify that your Targon API key of Targon is valid. Without it, DeepSeek would not unlock.

Is It Safe to Use DeepSeek on Janitor AI

In the time when you are connecting several services, security is always an important concern. Well, luckily, utilizing the DeepSeek on the Janitor AI is secure as long as you follow the accurate and best methods and practices.

Security of API Keys

All your API keys are acting as your passwords, as they allow access to your accounts as well as your integrations. You should always keep them private and must never share them with anybody or publicly.

Save them in a secure and protected place, such as a password manager. Must generate a new key quickly if you ever think one has been exposed to anybody.

The Chutes, Janitor AI, as well as the Targon all utilize secure and protected techniques to handle the keys. So the risk is very minor if you utilize them accurately.

Reliability of Integrations

Well, DeepSeek operates in the Janitor AI through a trusted app such as the OpenRouter, which guarantees stable communication among all of the services. And as long as all your accounts are active and are accurately connected, the integration remains very reliable.

Other occasional issues and errors, such as proxy or downtime issues, might also happen, but these types of issues are very rare and are typically fixed very quickly. With the accurate setup, you can expect consistent alongside safe performance.

Benefits of Using Janitor AI with DeepSeek

The pairing of the Janitor AI with the DeepSeek can simply upgrade the experience of chat in multiple ways. These are as follows:

Smoother Conversations

The DeepSeek assists the Janitor AI to respond in a much more natural and human-like way. This means that the awkward pauses and the off-topic answers make the communication feel effortless.

Smarter AI Response

With the help of the advanced processing of the DeepSeek, the AI can address the complicated prompts, follow the context over longer conversations, and provide further accurate replies.

Better Customization

You can also fine-tune the AI for matching according to your style, whether you want any casual chat, extended details, or explanations, and any roleplay scenarios.

More Engaging Experiences

Well, this combination keeps the chats lively alongside very interactive; in this way, the user feels more engaged and more entertained.

We can say that using the DeepSeek along with the Janitor AI makes the chats smarter, faster, as well as very personal.

Tips to Optimize Your Setup

To get the greatest experience in the time of utilizing the DeepSeek on the Janitor AI, keep the following tips in mind:

Save keys securely: You have to treat your keys like your passwords. Must store them in a password manager or in a private document instead of just copying and pasting them in some random places on your phone. If you ever feel like any of your keys is exposed to anybody, regenerate it quickly.

Pick the right model of DeepSeek (R1, V3, etc.): Well, DeepSeek offers many models, each with multiple strengths. As for the casual chat, a lighter model may be the best. While for the writing, roleplay, or complicated reasoning, a further advanced model would be perfect.

Test conversations for smoother performance: After the setup, you must run some test conversations. Must check how the AI handles the overall context, detailed prompts, and the roleplays. If anything feels weird or off, you must recheck all your integration steps, or you can also try switching the models for further great performance.

Alternatives to DeepSeek on Janitor AI

Well, DeepSeek is a very powerful option for customizable and smoother chats, but the Janitor AI assists multiple other models also. Relying on your demands and requirements, whether it is safety, security, speed, or creativity, you may prefer any of these alternatives given below:

1. GPT-based models

These are very reliable, versatile, and are broadly utilized throughout multiple applications. GPT models also excel at storytelling, roleplay, creative writing, as well as Q&A.

These are best for users who want a well-rounded AI along with the regulated performance throughout casual chats as well as detailed conversations.

2. Claude ( by anthropic)

It is highly structured for safer and the thoughtful interactions along the longer context windows. Claude prevents going off the topic and is also particularly strong in structured reasoning.

It is best for the users who prefer the ethical, balanced, context-rich replies, like for brainstorming, studying, as well as for professional writing.

3. LLaMA and Mistral models

You can choose it because it is very lightweight, open-source, alongside it is often faster to reply. Such types of models can be a lot more cost-effective than the larger AIs.

It is best for casual roleplay, quick chats, and for users who want efficiency without overloading their whole systems.

4. Other OpenRouter models

You can choose these because the OpenRouter connects the Janitor AI with a broader variety of AI models. You can also experiment to look for the one that matches your desire and style. It helps whether you just want creative storytelling, any technical assistance, or just for the fun interactions.

It is best for users who love the flexibility and want to analyze and explore multiple AI personalities as well as different capabilities.

Conclusion

Utilizing the DeepSeek on the Janitor AI can transform your chat experiences completely. They will make it further smarter, smoother, as well as further personalized.

By following all of the setup steps very carefully, alongside keeping all of your API keys protected, you will have access to unlocking the overall potential of the integration.

In the time when DeepSeek provides amazing customizations along with natural and human-like responses, you can also have the flexibility to explore the alternatives, including the GPT as well as Claude, totally depending on your desires and requirements.

FAQ’s

How do I get my DeepSeek API key?

Well, you do not get the DeepSeek key directly. Therefore, you can generate the API keys by the OpenRouter. Do this after linking both Chutes and Targon. Once it is set up, your main API key of OpenRouter works as the DeepSeek connection into the Janitor AI.

What model name should I enter in Janitor AI?

While adding the DeepSeek into the Janitor AI, utilize the exact and accurate model name from the OpenRouter, like deepseek-chat, deepseek-r1, or deepseek-v3, etc. You must always copy it directly to prevent and avoid any typos.

Why does JanitorAI return model not found?

JanitorAI exhibits the “model not found” if the name of the model is incorrect, your API key is not correctly linked in the OpenRouter, or the Chutes/Targon integrations are missing. You must double-check the spelling, connections, as well as settings.

How can I test the integration?

Open the character chat with the Janitor AI and then select the DeepSeek as your model. Try some prompts (casual, roleplay, as well as the complex queries). If the DeepSeek replies smoothly while holding the context, the setup is working well.

Can I use OpenRouter or Nebula Block as a proxy?

Yes, the OpenRouter plays the role of the main proxy for the DeepSeek integration. Some of the users also experiment with the Nebula Block, but the OpenRouter is a lot more stable as well as officially supported.

How do I secure my API key?

Protect your API key by treating it as a password. And you must never share it, must store it in a password manager, utilize the official platforms only, alongside regenerate quickly if exposed to anyone or compromised.

What if I hit rate limits?

If you hit the rate limits, wait for the reset, optimize the prompts, or switch to any lighter DeepSeek models, and upgrade the plans assists too.

Will DeepSeek cost more than OpenAI?

In many of the cases, the DeepSeek is a lot more affordable than the GPT-4 of GPT, specifically for the longer chats and for the roleplay. Although the exact pricing relies on your OpenRouter plan.

Is the mobile setup different?

No, all the steps are the exact same. You just paste the OpenRouter key on the Janitor AI on your mobile. The only dissimilarity is that managing the API keys might be a little easier on the desktop, so multiple users set it up there initially, then remain chatting on the mobile.