Are you trying to access the OpenAI GPT-4 model but keep getting the error "Model GPT-4 not available"? You're not alone - many are still struggling.
This article will guide you step by step to finally gain access to OpenAI's most powerful GPT-4 model - instantly.
OpenAI announced the general availability of GPT-4
On July 6, 2023, OpenAI stated that "starting today, all paying API customers have access to GPT-4". And there's also good news for those of you who have never - or net yet - been billed for their API usage:
In short, it depends on your previous usage and billing:
Have you been billed at least $1 for API usage in the past?
Then you should already have access to GPT-4. If not, there are a few quirks that you can solve easily - just keep reading.Has OpenAI never charged you for API usage?
In this case, simply open a brand-new account and set up prepaid billing, and you'll get instant access to GPT-4. That's also the workaround for paying API customers who still don't have access - for whatever reason.
Been billed at least $1 but still no access? Do this.
If you're reading the official OpenAI forums, you'll find many comments from people you still don't have access to GPT-4, although they've already been billed in the past. Here's what you need to check:
1️⃣ Check your OpenAI organization
First, make sure you're in the right OpenAI organization - you might have access to several organizations:
Log in at platform.openai.com and click the User menu at the top right.
Below your email address, you can see your current Organization.
Make sure this is the correct organization, meaning the organization you've actually been billed. If not, switch to the correct organization.
2️⃣ Create a new API key
After making sure that you're in the right organization, try creating a new API key. This can sometimes resolve access issues.
In OpenAI's User menu at the top right, click View API keys or go to platform.openai.com/account/api-keys
Click the Create new secret key button, name your new API key, and then copy and paste it somewhere safe - OpenAI will never show it to you again.
In Promptitude, either edit your existing OpenAI connection or add a new one in the AI Connections menu.
3️⃣ Wait until the end of the month
If you've checked your organization and created a new API key but still don't have access, you might need to wait until the end of the month. OpenAI has stated that you might need to wait for a few days - so that's that.
New API customer or still struggling? Get a prepaid account.
If you've never been billed for your API usage, or all the above tips don't work out, then there's a surefire way that will get you instant access to OpenAI's GPT-4 model:
Create a brand-new account with prepaid billing and top up at least $5.
OpenAI states that as of now, you can not add prepaid billing to an existing account. That's why you need a new one.
1️⃣ Create a new OpenAI account.
Head over to platform.openai.com:
If you're still signed in, click the User menu at the top right and Log out.
After logging out, click the small green Sign up link below the button.
Use a different email address and finish signing up for your new account.
If OpenAI asks you for additional verification of your email address and mobile phone number, it's best to do that right away.
2️⃣ Activate prepaid billing and top up $5.
Setting up prepaid billing is fast and easy:
On platform.openai.com, click the User menu at the top right and choose Manage account.
Then, click Billing in the left side menu, or go to platform.openai.com/account/billing/overview
Click the green Start payment plan button and follow the instructions.
Confirm and purchase your initial amount of credits. The minimum is $5, the maximum is currently at $50.
That's where you start your payment plan:
Please note that any purchased credits will expire after 1 year and they are nonrefundable. After you've purchased credits, you should be able to start using the API.
Note that there may be a couple of minutes of delay while the OpenAI systems update to reflect your credit balance.
Conclusion
Gaining access to the OpenAI GPT-4 model can be a bit tricky, but it's definitely doable. If you're a paying API customer, make sure you're in the right organization, create a new API key, and wait until the end of the month.
If you're still having trouble, consider creating a new OpenAI account with prepaid billing.
With a bit of patience and these steps, you should be able to access the GPT-4 model in no time.