Cursor 'Model Does Not Work with Your Current Plan or API Key' With Custom Models

What this error means

The model gpt-4 does not work with your current plan or api key is a Cursor failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix cursor ide refusing to use custom models (gpt-4, claude) when custom api key (byok) mode is enabled, particularly breaking agent and edit features that depend on custom models. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

Found across multiple sources: Cursor community forum (#76097), Stack Overflow (#79544040), and developer blog analysis (#3390 on githubissues.com). Users report model access loss specifically when entering BYOK API keys in Settings → Models. Cursor’s Auto mode gets confused when API permissions change. Agent and Edit features depend on custom models but fail with BYOK. Known product limitation rather than transient bug — strong search demand, high commercial value for Cursor paid subscribers.

Common causes

• Found across multiple sources: Cursor community forum (#76097), Stack Overflow (#79544040), and developer blog analysis (#3390 on githubissues.com). Users report model access loss specifically when entering BYOK API keys in Settings → Models. Cursor’s Auto mode gets confused when API permissions change. Agent and Edit features depend on custom models but fail with BYOK. Known product limitation rather than transient bug — strong search demand, high commercial value for Cursor paid subscribers.

Quick fixes

1. Confirm the exact error signature matches The model gpt-4 does not work with your current plan or api key.
2. Check the Cursor account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
3. Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.

Platform/tool-specific checks

• Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
• Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
• Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

1. Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
2. Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
3. Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
4. Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
5. Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.

How to prevent it

• Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
• Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
• Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.

Sources checked

• https://forum.cursor.com/t/model-access-issues/76097
• https://stackoverflow.com/questions/79544040/why-doesnt-my-azure-openai-model-show-up-in-cursor
• https://apipie.ai/docs/blog/Cursors-Does-Not-Work-with-Your-Current-Plan-or-API-Key-Fix

Evidence note: Found across multiple sources: Cursor community forum (#76097), Stack Overflow (#79544040), and developer blog analysis (#3390 on githubissues.com). Users report model access loss specifically when entering BYOK API keys in Settings → Models. Cursor’s Auto mode gets confused when API permissions change. Agent and Edit features depend on custom models but fail with BYOK. Known product limitation rather than transient bug — strong search demand, high commercial value for Cursor paid subscribers.

Related errors

• Cursor

FAQ

What should I check first?

Start with the exact The model gpt-4 does not work with your current plan or api key text and the smallest action that reproduces it.

Can I ignore this error?

No. Treat it as a failed Cursor workflow until the root cause is understood.

Is this guaranteed to have one fix?

No. The imported evidence supports the troubleshooting path above, but tool behavior can vary by account, plan, version, provider, and local configuration.

How do I know the fix worked?

Rerun the same command, editor action, or request. The fix is working when that action completes without The model gpt-4 does not work with your current plan or api key.