OpenRouter / Cloud Platforms

OpenRouter AI_APICallError: User not found despite valid API key

Fix OpenRouter AI_APICallError 'User not found' when API key works for direct API calls Includes evidence for OpenRouter troubleshooting demand.

Source-backed Last updated May 11, 2026 1 source Needs local verification

Category: Cloud Platforms
Error signature: AI_APICallError: User not found
Quick fix: Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.
Updated: May 11, 2026
Verification status: Source-backed
Evidence: 1 public source URL

Before you change production

This page includes public source URLs in the imported troubleshooting record. Compare those references with your version and environment before applying changes.

Reproduce the smallest failing action and save non-secret logs before changing configuration.
Check versions for OpenRouter, related SDKs, package managers, CI runners, and hosting providers.
Change one setting or dependency at a time, then rerun the same failing command or request.
Avoid destructive commands, credential rotation, billing changes, or security relaxations without a rollback plan.

What this error means

AI_APICallError: User not found is a OpenRouter failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix openrouter ai_apicallerror 'user not found' when api key works for direct api calls. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

GitHub issue #2245 reports OpenCode consistently failing with AI_APICallError: User not found when using OpenRouter models, despite valid API key that works for direct API calls.

Common causes

Distinct error from generic 401 — OpenCode consistently gets 'User not found' error with OpenRouter, while the same API key works for direct API calls. This suggests a tool-specific integration bug. High search intent for OpenCode + OpenRouter users.
GitHub issue #2245 reports OpenCode consistently failing with AI_APICallError: User not found when using OpenRouter models, despite valid API key that works for direct API calls.

Quick fixes

Confirm the exact error signature matches AI_APICallError: User not found.
Check the OpenRouter account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
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

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

Diagnostic flow for this page

Match AI_APICallError: User not found exactly before applying the quick fix.
Compare the failing environment with OpenRouter versions, account scope, provider settings, and deployment context.
Check the listed common causes in order, starting with the cause that best matches your logs.
Use the evidence status below to decide whether to confirm against public sources or official documentation.
Apply one reversible change, rerun the smallest failing action, and keep rollback notes.

FAQ

What does AI_APICallError: User not found mean in OpenRouter?

AI_APICallError: User not found indicates the workflow described by "OpenRouter AI_APICallError: User not found despite valid API key" failed in a Cloud Platforms context. Start by confirming the exact signature and the component that emitted it.

What should I check first for AI_APICallError: User not found?

Check whether this cause matches your environment: Distinct error from generic 401 — OpenCode consistently gets 'User not found' error with OpenRouter, while the same API key works for direct API calls. This suggests a tool-specific integration bug. High search intent for OpenCode + OpenRouter users.

Is the AI_APICallError: User not found guidance source-backed?

The "OpenRouter AI_APICallError: User not found despite valid API key" page is labeled source-backed. It has 1 public source URL from github.com, so use that evidence status when deciding how much additional verification you need.

When should I avoid the quick fix for AI_APICallError: User not found?

For "OpenRouter AI_APICallError: User not found despite valid API key", avoid applying "Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time." when the error text differs, the affected version or provider is different, or the change would touch credentials, billing, DNS, production deploy settings, or irreversible data.

What should I collect before debugging AI_APICallError: User not found?

For "OpenRouter AI_APICallError: User not found despite valid API key", collect the failing OpenRouter command or request, non-secret configuration, versions, timestamps, request IDs when available, and the smallest reproduction that still triggers the signature.