OpenAI Python SDK v2.34.0 AsyncOpenAI(api_key="") Raises OpenAIError Breaking Local Servers

What this error means

AsyncOpenAI(api_key="") raises OpenAIError in v2.34.0 is a OpenAI API / Python failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix asyncopenai empty api_key error breaking openai-compatible local servers. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

Regression in openai-python v2.34.0. Previously empty string api_key was accepted for local servers. Now raises OpenAIError.

Common causes

• Breaking change in v2.34.0 rejects empty api_key strings, breaking OpenAI-compatible local servers (Ollama, vLLM, LM Studio) that don’t require real keys.
• Regression in openai-python v2.34.0. Previously empty string api_key was accepted for local servers. Now raises OpenAIError.

Quick fixes

1. Confirm the exact error signature matches AsyncOpenAI(api_key="") raises OpenAIError in v2.34.0.
2. Check the OpenAI API / Python 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://github.com/openai/openai-python/issues/3224

Evidence note: Regression in openai-python v2.34.0. Previously empty string api_key was accepted for local servers. Now raises OpenAIError.

Related errors

• OpenAI API invalid API key
• OpenAI API 401 Unauthorized

FAQ

What should I check first?

Start with the exact AsyncOpenAI(api_key="") raises OpenAIError in v2.34.0 text and the smallest action that reproduces it.

Can I ignore this error?

No. Treat it as a failed OpenAI API / Python 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 AsyncOpenAI(api_key="") raises OpenAIError in v2.34.0.