Introduction

In recent years, artificial intelligence has evolved from a luxury tool into an essential part of how people work, communicate, and create. Among the many platforms shaping this shift, Janitor AI has emerged as one of the most popular names in the AI chatbot and roleplay space.

As of 2025, Janitor AI has gained traction with millions of users worldwide, not just because of its engaging roleplay features but also due to its flexibility in supporting external AI models. While other platforms limit users to pre-set personalities or internal engines, Janitor AI opens the door to powerful custom setups, many of them free.

But with great flexibility comes complexity. The recent shift towards proxy-based model integration, especially through platforms like OpenRouter, has introduced new terms, tools, and unfortunately, new problems for users.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced AI user struggling with error codes, this article will walk you through everything, step by step, in simple human language. Let’s start by understanding what makes Janitor AI so special.

What is Janitor AI? (2025 Update)

 The Origin and Rise of Janitor AI

Launched in the early 2020s, Janitor AI quickly rose to fame as a powerful alternative to platforms like Character AI and Chai. While most AI chat apps focused on pre-trained personalities and closed systems, Janitor AI flipped the script.

Its core promise?
Give users the freedom to connect their favorite AI models through API and create custom chatbots with any personality they choose.

What began as a simple roleplay engine grew into a full-scale chatbot creation platform, known for its customization, model flexibility, and uncensored capabilities. By 2025, Janitor AI had become a go-to for developers, writers, roleplayers, and NSFW content creators.

How Janitor AI Works in 2025

As of this year, Janitor AI doesn’t host its own AI model. Instead, it acts as a frontend interface. Think of it as a clean and flexible dashboard, but one that needs to be connected to an actual engine to work.

Platforms like OpenRouter, OpenAI, or other LLM providers usually provide that engine. You link Janitor AI to these backends using your API key, and the chatbot then sends your input to the external model and displays the response.

This setup is called a proxy system, and it offers major benefits:

• Use any AI model you want (if supported)
  
• Avoid platform restrictions (like NSFW bans)
  
• Customize settings (temperature, response length, etc.)
  
• Access free or cheaper alternatives to paid AI services
  

But it also comes with a learning curve, especially when it comes to setting up and troubleshooting proxy connections.

Why Janitor AI Is Different from Character AI or Chai

To the untrained eye, Janitor AI may look similar to other chat AI platforms. But under the surface, it’s entirely different. Here’s how:

Feature	Janitor AI	Character AI	Chai
Custom API Integration	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
NSFW Support	✅ Yes (with external models)	❌ No	⚠️ Partial
Free Model Options	✅ Yes (via OpenRouter)	❌ No	⚠️ Limited
Roleplay Capabilities	✅ Advanced	✅ Basic	✅ Basic
Offline/Local Model Support	⚠️ Indirect	❌ No	❌ No

In short, Janitor AI offers real ownership of your chatbot experience. You decide what model powers it. You control its personality. You even control how intelligent or creative it is, all based on which model you connect.

What Janitor AI is Used For (Main Use Cases)

Because of its flexible and open nature, Janitor AI serves many different communities, including:

• Chat Roleplay & Fiction Writing:
  Writers use Janitor AI to build ongoing conversations with fictional characters, brainstorm dialogue, or test storylines.
  
• NSFW Content (Adults):
  Since mainstream platforms often restrict adult content, Janitor AI is popular among creators of erotic fiction and NSFW chat.
  
• Companion Chat & Mental Support:
  Some users build AI companions for casual conversation, comfort, or emotional support — with full control over tone and personality.
  
• Productivity Tools & Brainstorming:
  Developers and entrepreneurs create assistant bots for coding, email writing, or business ideation using reasoning models like DeepSeek.
  
• Language Learning & Tutoring:
  Others use it as a friendly tutor to practice language skills or explore academic subjects in a conversational way.
  

Understanding Proxy Errors on Janitor AI

As Janitor AI has grown more powerful, it has also become more complex. One of the most common hurdles new and returning users face today is proxy errors. These confusing messages can stop your chatbot from working even when everything looks correctly set up.

This section breaks down what proxy errors actually mean, why they happen, and how to fix the most common ones, all in plain language.

What Are Proxies in Janitor AI?

In simple terms, a proxy in Janitor AI is the middleman between the Janitor AI interface and the actual AI language model (like DeepSeek or OpenAI). Janitor AI doesn’t have a brain of its own it needs to connect to one through a proxy URL and an API key.

Think of Janitor AI as a phone screen, and the proxy as the network that connects your screen to someone else’s voice. Without the network, you can dial all you want, but no one will answer.

These proxies are often provided by platforms like:

• OpenRouter
  
• Chimera, Chutes, or other LLM aggregators
  

Using these, you can connect Janitor AI to free or paid models like:

• deepseek-chat-v3-0324:free
  
• grok-4-fast:free (now removed)
  
• longcat-flash-chat:free
  

✅ Why Does Janitor AI Require External Models?

Originally, Janitor AI used its own internal models. But in 2024 and beyond, it moved to a bring-your-own-model system. That means:

• Janitor AI provides the chat interface
  
• You provide the model (via an external provider)
  

This shift:

• Reduced operational costs for the developers
  
• Gave users more freedom to choose their own model
  
• Allowed NSFW, uncensored, and customizable content
  

The trade-off? More setup steps and proxy-related errors if something goes wrong.

What is a Proxy Error?

A proxy error happens when Janitor AI fails to connect with the model you chose through your proxy settings.

This failure could be due to:

• Incorrect proxy URL
  
• Wrong or expired API key
  
• Choosing a model that doesn’t exist anymore
  
• Reaching your request limit
  
• The external provider is having downtime
  

The error message shows up immediately when you try to talk to the AI, and it usually looks like:

“Proxy Error 404: No endpoints found”
“Error 429: Rate-limited upstream”
“This model doesn’t exist.”

Let’s break down the most common ones.

 Proxy Error 404: No Endpoints Found

This is one of the most reported errors, and it usually means something is missing or wrong in your setup.

Possible causes:

• Wrong proxy URL (e.g., you added /chat/completions twice)
  
• You selected a model that was removed or no longer supported
  
• You’re using an API key for the wrong provider
  

Fix:

• Double-check the proxy URL. If using OpenRouter, it should be:
  https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/chat/completions
  (Don’t add anything to it)
  
• Make sure the model name is valid, and check the list on OpenRouter.
  
• Recreate a new API key and test again.
  

Proxy Error 429: Rate-Limited Upstream

This error means your daily request limit has been reached, or the upstream server is overloaded.

Two common scenarios:

• On the free tier, you only get 50 messages per day (OpenRouter default)
  
• On the paid tier, you get $1000 per day, but you may still hit the limit if you chat a lot
  

Fix:

• Wait 24 hours if you’re on the free plan
  
• Upgrade to the $10 plan on OpenRouter for a much higher limit
  
• Avoid “re-rolling” responses too often; each counts as a separate request
  

Proxy Error 405: Method Not Allowed

This typically happens if:

• You’ve incorrectly formatted your proxy request
  
• The model you selected doesn’t support certain methods
  

Fix:

• Make sure the proxy URL doesn’t end with extra slashes or duplicated endpoints
  
• Don’t manually append /completions if it’s already part of the base URL
  
• Stick to models recommended on OpenRouter (not all 3rd-party models are stable)
  

 No Endpoints Found Error

Often bundled with Error 404, this just means the backend couldn’t find a model to connect to.

Why does it happen?

• You might be using a removed or typo’d model name
  
• For example, x-ai/grok-4-fast:free was removed in October 2025
  

Fix:

• Replace with a current model like:
  
  • deepseek/deepseek-r1-0528:free
    
  • meituan/longcat-flash-chat:free
    
• Always check the OpenRouter model list for up-to-date names
  

This Model Doesn’t Exist

This is self-explanatory and is typically caused by:

• Typing the model name wrong
  
• Using a model that was taken down
  

Example:

• A user entered: deepseek-r3-fusion: free
  This model doesn’t exist.
  

Fix:

• Use only valid model IDs. OpenRouter gives you a dropdown list of current models.
  
• If you’re following an old tutorial, the model may no longer be available.
  

Real User Complaints (Why These Errors Matter)

Here are actual issues users face (compiled from Reddit and Janitor AI communities):

“I paid $10 and still get Proxy Error 429!”
→ Their account used all 1000 requests for the day. They thought it was unlimited.

“Everything was working, and then I got a ‘No Key Defined’ error.”
→ They forgot to paste the API key after refreshing the page.

“I keep getting ‘This model doesn’t exist’ but I copied it from a post!”
→ The model was deprecated in the last update. The post was outdated.

These examples show how minor mistakes in setup or expired data can break the entire experience.

Why Do These Errors Happen?

Here’s a recap of the most common causes:

Problem	Root Cause
404	Wrong proxy URL or invalid model
429	Request limit hit (free or paid)
405	Wrong method or URL formatting
Model not found	Model removed, renamed, or typo
No key/invalid key	Key expired, wrong format, or not saved

Quick Tip: Always test your setup with a known working model like deepseek-chat-v3-0324:free and a fresh API key before trying advanced models.

What is OpenRouter and Why Is It Essential for Janitor AI?

As Janitor AI moved away from using internal language models, it needed a reliable system to connect with powerful external models like DeepSeek, Longcat, and formerly, Grok. Enter OpenRouter, the engine that powers most of Janitor AI’s conversations in 2025.

 What is OpenRouter?

OpenRouter is a third-party platform that acts as a central API gateway for accessing large language models (LLMs). Instead of going to each model provider separately, OpenRouter brings them all together under one roof.

Think of it as an AI model marketplace with a single dashboard, a single API key, and a wide selection of models.

Key Features:

• Aggregates free and paid models from different providers
  
• Offers users one API key to manage multiple models
  
• Handles routing, formatting, and authentication
  
• Supports models from providers like:
  
  • deepseek/deepseek-r1-0528:free
    
  • meituan/longcat-flash-chat:free
    
  • gpt-4, Claude, and more (paid)
    

 Why Janitor AI Uses OpenRouter

Previously, Janitor AI used internal models or relied on unstable third-party integrations. This caused issues like:

• Model downtime
  
• Limited capabilities
  
• Lack of control
  

So, in 2024, Janitor AI transitioned to a proxy-based system using platforms like OpenRouter to let users bring their own model.

Why This Matters:

• Gives users full control over which model powers their chatbot
  
• Supports NSFW and uncensored content (if allowed by model)
  
• Reduces Janitor AI’s operational costs, keeping the platform free
  
• Enables custom setups for roleplay, productivity, or experimentation
  

 Benefits of OpenRouter for Janitor AI Users

Benefit	Description
Free Models	Access popular LLMs for free (with usage limits)
Unified Key	One API key works for all supported models
Model Variety	Use reasoning, creative, or direct-output models
Custom Settings	Adjust response behavior using temperature and tokens

Some free models you can try:

• deepseek/deepseek-chat-v3-0324:free (fast, direct)
  
• deepseek/deepseek-r1-0528:free (reasoning, slow)
  
• Meituan/longcat-flash-chat:free (balanced, Grok alternative)
  

 Challenges & Drawbacks

While powerful, OpenRouter can be intimidating for new users.

Common Issues:

• Complicated setup: You need to manually enter URLs, keys, and settings
  
• Rate limits: Free accounts get 50 requests per day (1000 with $10 plan)
  
• Error messages: “Proxy Error 404” or “No endpoints found” confuse users
  

But once you set it up correctly, it works smoothly and gives you total freedom over your AI experience.

 How to Set Up Janitor AI with OpenRouter (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a complete guide to setting up Janitor AI with OpenRouter. Follow every step closely, even a small mistake can cause errors.

 A. Create an OpenRouter Account

1. Go to: https://openrouter.ai
   
2. Click “Sign Up” at the top right.
   
3. Choose a signup method (Google, GitHub, or Email).
   
4. Complete any verification required.
   

⚠️ Common Signup Issues:

• Email not received? Check spam/junk folders.
  
• Can’t log in? Refresh the page and try again.
  
• Key not working? You must generate one first (see below).
  

B. Generate an API Key

Once signed in:

1. Click on your profile picture (top-right).
   
2. Select “Keys” from the dropdown menu.
   
3. Click “Create API Key”.
   
4. Give it a name (e.g., JanitorAIKey) and click Create.
   
5. Copy the key immediately. It won’t be shown again.
   

Tips:

• Save the key in Notepad or a password manager.
  
• You can generate multiple keys if needed.
  

C. Connect to Janitor AI

Now that you have your key, it’s time to enter it into Janitor AI.

Steps:

1. Open Janitor AI and go to any character.
   
2. Click on the menu (three lines or gear icon).
   
3. Go to API Settings.
   
4. Under Model Provider, select Proxy.
   
5. Enter the following details:
   

Setting	Value
Model Name	deepseek/deepseek-chat-v3-0324:free (or any other valid model)
Proxy URL	https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/chat/completions
API Key	Paste the one you copied earlier

Do NOT click “Add /chat/completions to URL.” It’s already included.

Optional Settings (Advanced Users):

Setting	Recommended
Temperature	0.2 – 0.5 for balanced creativity
Max Tokens	0 (let’s model decide) or set manually
Top_p / Frequency Penalty	Leave at default unless fine-tuning

D. Refresh Chat & Handle First-Time Errors

Once everything is set:

1. Click Save Settings.
   
2. Refresh the Janitor AI page.
   
3. Try chatting with the character.
   

Common First-Time Errors & Fixes:

Error Message	What It Means	Fix
“Proxy Error 404”	Wrong model name or URL	Double-check spelling & format
“No endpoints found”	Invalid or removed model	Use a working model (e.g., DeepSeek)
“Invalid API key”	Key not saved or expired	Generate a new one on OpenRouter
“Rate-limited upstream (429)”	Hit daily limit	Wait 24 hrs or upgrade to $10 plan

Pro Tip: Always test with a stable model like deepseek-chat-v3-0324:free before trying others.

Deep Dive Into Free Models You Can Use with Janitor AI (Updated October 2025)

As Janitor AI continues to grow, the models it supports through platforms like OpenRouter play a central role in user experience, especially for those looking for free, powerful, and customizable AI interactions.

In this guide, we break down the most popular free models available (as of October 2025), explain how they work, their ideal settings, and help you decide whether to stick with the free tier or consider upgrading to the paid plan.

Let’s explore the best options available to you right now.

 A. DeepSeek Models (Free & Versatile)

DeepSeek is one of the most widely used model providers on OpenRouter. It offers multiple versions, each optimized for different needs.

1. deepseek-chat-v3-0324:free

Type: Direct Output | Speed: Fastest
Released: March 2024

✅ Best For:

• Quick replies
  
• Casual chat
  
• Roleplay without deep reasoning
  

⚙️ Ideal Settings:

• Temperature: 0.4–0.6 (for natural variation)
  
• Max Tokens: 0 (auto) or 2000+
  
• Context Limit: ~16,000 tokens
  

➕ Pros:

• Fastest of all DeepSeek models
  
• Less likely to get stuck in thought loops
  
• Works great for light and fun interactions
  

➖ Cons:

• Not great at in-depth or logical conversations
  
• Can sometimes ignore instructions if context is long
  

2. deepseek-r1-0528:free

Type: Reasoning Model | Speed: Slow
Released: May 2024

✅ Best For:

• Serious conversations
  
• Consistent roleplay
  
• Following long, multi-step instructions
  

⚙️ Ideal Settings:

• Temperature: 0.1–0.3 (low = better logic)
  
• Max Tokens: 0 (auto) or 3000+
  
• Context Limit: ~16,000 tokens
  

➕ Pros:

• Very logical and consistent
  
• Great memory within a single session
  
• Maintains character better in roleplays
  

➖ Cons:

• Noticeably slower than other models
  
• Sometimes outputs <think> traces (remove manually)
  

3. deepseek-r1t2-chimera:free

Type: Hybrid | Speed: Medium
Released: July 2025

 Best For:

• Mixed roleplay + logical tasks
  
• Users who want speed + accuracy
  
• NSFW conversations that need consistency
  

⚙️ Ideal Settings:

• Temperature: 0.2–0.4
  
• Max Tokens: 2500 to 3000
  
• Context Limit: ~16,000 tokens
  

➕ Pros:

• Combines the best of V3 and R1
  
• More natural tone than R1
  
• Still follows instructions well
  

➖ Cons:

• Slightly inconsistent tone over very long chats
  
• Some providers may limit output speed
  

B. Grok 4 Fast (x-ai/grok-4-fast:free) Now Removed

Grok 4 Fast was once a favorite among Janitor AI users — especially for NSFW and creative roleplay. It had a GPT-4-level tone, was free, and worked impressively well without much setup.

🕒 Why It Was Popular:

• Natural language flow
  
• High creativity at low temperatures
  
• Ideal for long, immersive conversations
  

📅 When It Was Removed:

• October 5, 2025
  It was quietly taken offline due to licensing issues and the removal of support from its host provider on OpenRouter.
  

🔁 Alternatives to Grok 4 Fast:

• Meituan/longcat-flash-chat: free (best current replacement)
  
• deepseek-r1t2-chimera: free (for reasoning-based conversations)
  

If you were a Grok fan, Longcat Flash is your best bet now.

 C. Meituan Longcat Flash

Model Name: meituan/longcat-flash-chat:free
Released: September 2025
Type: Balanced Output | Speed: Medium-Fast

Why It’s the Best Grok Replacement:

• Designed for conversational and roleplay use
  
• Handles long chats well without memory loss
  
• Allows NSFW and uncensored use (subject to provider terms)
  

Performance Comparison:

Feature	Grok 4 Fast	Longcat Flash
Speed	Fast	Medium-Fast
Creativity	High	Medium-High
Logic	Medium	Medium
Stability	High	High

Longcat may not be as sharp creatively as Grok was, but it’s reliable and currently supported, making it the best alternative on the free tier.

 Free vs Paid Tiers: What You Get

Let’s clear up the confusion: What do you actually get with Janitor AI using OpenRouter’s free tier vs paid access?

A. Free Tier

The free plan is a great way to explore Janitor AI and OpenRouter without spending money.

 What’s Included:

• 50 requests per day
  
• Access to:
  
  • deepseek-chat-v3-0324:free
    
  • deepseek-r1-0528:free
    
  • chimera, longcat, and other free models
    

 Workarounds to Stretch Usage:

• Keep temperature low (less verbose)
  
• Avoid re-rolling replies (each one counts)
  
• Don’t refresh the page unnecessarily
  
• Switch models mid-day if one hits the limit
  

 Limitations:

• If you’re chatting often, 50 messages/day runs out quickly
  
• Some free models may be temporarily down or slow
  

 B. Paid Tier

Cost: $10 (one-time unlock)
Benefit: 1000 requests/day permanently on all free models

What You Unlock:

• No daily limits for free models
  
• Faster, more stable access
  
• Ability to experiment freely
  
• Ideal for:
  
  • Roleplayers
    
  • Heavy daily users
    
  • Content creators
    

Is It Worth It?

If you’re:

• Using Janitor AI every day
  
• Constantly hitting the 50 request cap
  
• Tired of errors or downtime
  

→ Then yes, it’s absolutely worth it. You’re getting 20x the usage for a one-time fee, which is hard to beat.

Summary Chart: Free vs Paid

Feature	Free Tier	Paid Tier
Requests/Day	50	1000
Access to Models	✅	✅
Downtime/Errors	Occasional	Rare
Cost	$0	$10 (once)
Who It’s For	Light users	Frequent users

Thoughts

As of October 2025, Janitor AI + OpenRouter gives users powerful access to language models even for free. Whether you’re casually roleplaying or building something deeper, models like DeepSeek, Chimera, and Longcat offer a range of performance and flexibility.

That said, if you rely on Janitor AI for consistent, high-volume chatting, the $10 upgrade is a smart move.

Common Janitor AI Errors and Their Solutions (FAQ Format)

If you’re using Janitor AI through OpenRouter and keep running into strange errors, you’re not alone. Below is a complete troubleshooting FAQ, updated as of October 2025, to help you solve the most common issues — step-by-step.

❓ Q1: What is “Proxy Error 404” on Janitor AI?

 What It Means:
The system can’t find the model you’re trying to use. This usually means the model was removed, renamed, or typed incorrectly.

🔧 Causes:

• Wrong model name (e.g., typo or old format)
  
• Model has been removed (e.g., Grok 4 Fast)
  
• Incomplete URL or incorrect proxy settings
  

✅ Solution:

1. Check that your model name matches an active one from OpenRouter (e.g., deepseek/deepseek-chat-v3-0324:free)
   
2. Make sure the Proxy URL is:
   https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/chat/completions
   
3. Remove any spaces, slashes, or extra characters.
   
4. Avoid using deprecated models like x-ai/grok-4-fast:free.
   

🛠 Advanced Fix:
If you’ve saved an old setup that no longer works, try resetting your API settings in Janitor AI and re-entering them from scratch.

❓ Q2: What is “Proxy Error 429 (Rate-Limited)”?

 What It Means:
You’ve hit your daily usage limit.

🔧 Causes:

• Free-tier accounts get 50 requests per day.
  
• Re-rolling a reply or refreshing a chat counts as a new request.
  
• Even silent background calls can count as usage.
  

✅ Solutions:

• Wait 24 hours; the limit resets daily.
  
• Use a second OpenRouter account (not recommended long-term).
  
• Upgrade to the $10 paid tier to get 1000 requests/day permanently.
  

💡 Tip:
Keep temperature low (0.1–0.3) and avoid overlong chats to stretch request usage.

❓ Q3: Why does it say “Model doesn’t exist” or “No endpoints found”?

 What It Means:
The model you’re trying to connect to is either unavailable, retired, or incorrectly typed.

🔧 Causes:

• You’re using a model that was removed (e.g., Grok).
  
• The provider removed access due to licensing.
  
• You misspelled the model name.
  

✅ Solutions:

• Try replacing the model with:
  
  • deepseek/deepseek-chat-v3-0324:free
    
  • meituan/longcat-flash-chat:free
    
• Double-check the model name from OpenRouter’s model list.
  
• Avoid copying old YouTube/tutorial setups that used deprecated models.
  

❓ Q4: What does “No key defined” or “Invalid API key” mean?

 What It Means:
Janitor AI can’t find or validate your OpenRouter API key.

🔧 Causes:

• Key wasn’t saved in settings
  
• Key expired or was revoked
  
• Typo or extra space when pasting the key
  

✅ Solutions:

1. Go to https://openrouter.ai/keys
   
2. Click “Create API Key”
   
3. Name it (e.g., “Janitor”) and copy it immediately
   
4. Paste it into Janitor AI > API Settings > Proxy
   

💡 Tip:
Never add /chat/completions to the URL manually if it’s already in the Proxy field.

❓ Q5: Why do I get a “Network Error” even though my setup is correct?

 What It Means:
There’s a temporary issue between Janitor AI and OpenRouter.

🔧 Causes:

• Janitor AI is experiencing heavy traffic
  
• Proxy is down or responding slowly
  
• OpenRouter rate limit exceeded
  
• Low-speed internet connection
  

✅ Solutions:

• Refresh Janitor AI
  
• Try using a different model or switch to another provider temporarily
  
• Check OpenRouter’s model status page
  
• If on free tier, you might be silently rate-limited (429)
  

❓ Q6: Janitor AI keeps refreshing or not saving my settings. Why?

What It Means:
The API key or model setup is not being stored properly.

Causes:

• You didn’t click “Save Settings.”
  
• Your browser blocked local storage or cookies
  
• The key was invalid, sothe  settings didn’t save
  

Solutions:

• Make sure to click Save after entering every field
  
• Try using Janitor AI in incognito mode or a different browser
  
• Clear cache, reload, and re-enter your proxy settings
  
• Avoid using mobile — desktop browsers work better
  

❓ Q7: My API key disappeared what now?

 What It Means:
Once you leave the OpenRouter key page, the key is no longer viewable.

 Solution:

• You must create a new key at OpenRouter Keys
  
• Save your new key in Notepad or a secure password manager immediately
  

💡 Tip:
Label your keys with the app they belong to (e.g., “JanitorAI_1”) to avoid confusion later.

 Q8: Can I get banned or blacklisted from Janitor AI or OpenRouter?

Yes, if you:

• Spam requests too fast (triggering bot detection)
  
• Share your API key publicly
  
• Abuse the NSFW models against provider rules
  
• Use automation tools or bots to bypass limits
  

How to Stay Safe:

• Use only one tab or device per session
  
• Never share your API key
  
• Follow OpenRouter’s fair use terms
  
• Avoid setting the temperature or frequency penalty too high (can spike usage)

 How to Use Janitor AI Effectively After Setup (2025-2026 Guide)

Once you’ve successfully set up Janitor AI with your chosen model through OpenRouter, you’re only halfway there. To get the best out of your conversations, whether you’re roleplaying, chatting, or testing prompts, you need to understand how to use the system correctly after setup.

This guide helps you maximize your AI sessions by optimizing models, prompt structure, memory, and formatting.

Best Models: Roleplay vs. Casual Chatting

Not all models behave the same way. Picking the right one for your task makes a big difference.

🔹 Best for Roleplay:

• deepseek-r1-0528:free: Consistent tone, logical memory, low randomness.
  
• deepseek-r1t2-chimera: free: Blends creativity with structure.
  
• Meituan/longcat-flash-chat: free: Great emotional range and storytelling.
  

🧩 Use temperature = 0.1–0.3 for better consistency in character tone.

 Best for Casual Chat:

• deepseek-chat-v3-0324:free – Quick, relaxed, less strict on tone.
  
• turing/yi-1.5-34b:free (if available) – Conversational, smooth.
  

⚙️ Set temperature = 0.4–0.6 for more natural conversation flow.

Keeping Context Clean (Avoid Confusion)

AI models have short-term memory within a chat window. But they can easily get lost if the conversation is messy.

✅ How to Keep It Clean:

• Avoid repeating instructions. Say it once, clearly.
  
• Don’t overload the first message. Set context, not an essay.
  
• Use clear dialogue tags (e.g., You:, Bot:, or Narrator:).
  
• Cut clutter. Remove old irrelevant replies if the bot loses track.
  

🔄 If the AI gets confused, refresh the chat and reintroduce the core idea in a new prompt.

Setting Personalities & Character Memory

AI models don’t “remember” between sessions unless you’re using tools like RAG or fine-tuned memory plugins. But you can simulate memory inside a single chat.

How to Set a Character’s Personality:

1. Start with a system message or first input, like:
   
   “You are Rei, a calm and logical AI companion who always answers like a stoic philosopher.”
   
2. Avoid contradicting instructions later in the chat.
   
3. Use “Stay in character” reminders subtly if it drifts.
   

📌 Tip: Always mention the tone, role, and style you expect in the first message

Writing Strong Prompts to Keep the Model in Character

A good prompt doesn’t just tell the model what to do — it sets a tone the AI will follow throughout.

🔧 Structure to Use:

You are [name], a [short description of role and traits].

Your goal is to [objective or relationship to user].

Always speak in [mood/style], and never break character.

 Examples:

✅ Strong Prompt:

“You’re Sera, a sarcastic android bodyguard with a dry sense of humor. Speak in clipped, cold sentences. Protect the user at all costs, even if it means violence.”

🚫 Weak Prompt:

“You’re like a cool character, and you talk in a funny way. Be nice.”

Tip: The more specific, the better. Use genre-based or emotion-based instructions too (e.g., noir detective, anime idol, medieval knight).

 Avoiding Repetition & Formatting Errors

If your model keeps repeating phrases or breaks formatting, here’s how to stop it:

❌ Common Issues:

• “I’m sorry, but…” loops
  
• Repeating entire paragraphs
  
• Breaking markdown, code blocks, or dialogue format
  

🧰 Fixes:

• Lower temperature (0.1–0.3) for serious or consistent tone.
  
• Use “No repetition” or “avoid repeating phrases” in the prompt.
  
• Start clean don’t continue a broken reply.
  
• If using markdown or code blocks, set formatting expectations:
  
  
  “Use plain text only. No asterisks or markdown.”
  
  

🔧 You can also say:

“Do not repeat previous responses. Focus only on new thoughts.”

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Use short, clear sentences when giving commands.
  
• Avoid confusing the AI with vague instructions mid-conversation.
  
• Refresh the chat once quality drops — long sessions lead to degraded replies.
  
• Save your best prompts for reuse — they act like templates.
  

 Summary Cheat Sheet

Task	Best Model	Key Setting
Roleplay	deepseek-r1 / chimera	Temp: 0.2, Logical tone
Chat / Light Talk	chat-v3 / longcat	Temp: 0.5, Casual tone
Stay in Character	Use strong initial prompt	System tone + style tag
Avoid Repeats	Use a strong initial prompt	Temp: 0.1–0.2
Formatting Control	Give clear markdown/code rules	Use plain text if needed
Clean Context	Remove junk, refresh as needed	Short chats = better

Security & Privacy When Using Janitor AI with OpenRouter (2025 Guide)

As AI tools grow in popularity, so do concerns about privacy, data leaks, and model safety. If you’re using Janitor AI with OpenRouter, it’s smart to understand what happens behind the scenes especially if your chats are sensitive, personal, or NSFW.

This guide breaks down the most common privacy concerns in clear, honest language.

 Is OpenRouter Safe to Use?

OpenRouter acts as a gateway — a middleman — that connects Janitor AI to different language models. When you send a message to Janitor AI, it’s routed through OpenRouter to models like DeepSeek, Longcat, or others.

🔒 Is it secure?

• Yes, OpenRouter uses HTTPS (encrypted requests).
  
• Your API key is private and not stored by Janitor AI.
  
• Model providers (e.g., DeepSeek) process the data temporarily for generating a reply, then discard it unless they log for analytics or debugging.
  

🧠 Important Note:

OpenRouter is not a model creator it simply connects you to providers. Each provider (like Z-AI, Meituan, and DeepSeek) may have its own policies.

What Does Janitor AI Store?

Janitor AI is primarily a frontend a user interface that passes your input to the model.

What it stores:

• Your API key (locally, in your browser settings)
  
• Your chat history in the current session (until closed)
  
• Character settings, personalities, and presets (if you save them)
  

What it does not store:

• Messages on its servers  unless you’re using a registered account
  
• Any chats after you refresh the page (unless saved)
  

📌 If you’re not logged in, your data only stays in the browser memory.

 Best Practices to Stay Private

To ensure you’re not accidentally leaking information, follow these tips:

✅ 1. Use Temporary or Limited API Keys

• Create separate keys for each service
  
• Revoke or regenerate keys if you suspect any misuse
  

✅ 2. Don’t Share Sensitive Personal Data

• Even if it’s a roleplay, avoid using real names, addresses, or logins
  
• Treat all chats as if someone could access them
  

✅ 3. Use Incognito or Private Browsing

• Prevents your chats from being saved in history
  
• Avoids cookies or cached sessions storing sensitive info
  

✅ 4. Avoid Public Characters with Saved Logs

• Some Janitor AI characters made by others may log messages
  
• Use only private, custom-made bots when privacy is a concern
  

Can Your Chats Be Leaked?

🧨 Technically, yes  but it’s rare.

If you’re using:

• A custom proxy or third-party model provider, your messages pass through their servers.
  
• On a public device, someone might see your browser data.
  
• If a shared or copied API key is used, another person might gain access.
  

🔐 How to minimize risk:

• Never share your OpenRouter key.
  
• Don’t use Janitor AI on public Wi-Fi without a VPN.
  
• Avoid characters made by unknown users, especially if they include suspicious “logging” features.

Alternatives to Janitor AI (In Case It Stops Working)

Janitor AI has become a go-to for interactive chatbots and roleplay in 2025. But like any tool that relies on external APIs, proxy models, and complex setups, it can break, crash, or get rate-limited.

So, what do you do if Janitor AI stops working? Don’t panic, here are the top alternatives, each with its strengths and weaknesses.

🤖 1. Character AI

Character AI (character.ai) is one of the most widely used platforms for AI-driven roleplay and personality-based conversations.

✅ Pros:

• No setup required — just open and start chatting
  
• Huge public library of pre-made characters
  
• Easy mobile access and interface
  

❌ Cons:

• Strict NSFW filters
  
• Character memory is limited
  
• Messages can be censored or disappear mid-convo
  

Best For: Casual conversations, SFW roleplay, quick access without technical setup

💬 2. Chai App

Chai is a mobile-first chatbot platform with multiple personalities and custom characters.

✅ Pros:

• App-based, easy to install and use
  
• Fun, engaging AI with adjustable personalities
  
• Daily free message quota
  

❌ Cons:

• Limited customization unless you’re a developer
  
• Premium subscription needed for longer chats
  
• Not ideal for complex RP or longform storytelling
  

Best For: Mobile users who want quick, flirty, or humorous chats on the go

3. SillyTavern + Local LLM

SillyTavern is an interface that connects to local AI models running on your own device (via KoboldCpp, Ollama, or OpenRouter with localhost fallback).

✅ Pros:

• Full privacy runs offline if set up right
  
• Complete customization of characters, lore, memory, etc.
  
• No censorship or rate limits
  

❌ Cons:

• Requires a powerful PC (or GPU)
  
• Setup is technical and time-consuming
  
• Model downloads are large (5GB+)
  

Best For: Power users who want full control over their AI and offline access

4. Pygmalion AI (via Hugging Face or TavernAI)

Pygmalion is a series of LLMs fine-tuned for roleplay and conversation. You can run them via SillyTavern or on platforms like KoboldAI or HuggingFace Spaces.

✅ Pros:

• Specifically trained for character-based chat
  
• Available in different sizes (from 2.7B to 13B parameters)
  
• Models can be fine-tuned or modified locally
  

❌ Cons:

• Lower coherence compared to GPT or DeepSeek
  
• Still needs setup unless hosted
  
• May require manual prompt engineering
  

Best For: RP enthusiasts and developers looking for open-source alternatives

 Pros & Cons Summary

Platform	Pros	Cons	Best For
Character AI	Easy, no setup, good UX	NSFW filters, memory limits	Beginners, SFW roleplay
Chai	Mobile-friendly, varied bots	Message caps, limited memory	Casual chats, mobile use
SillyTavern	Full control, offline use possible	Tech-heavy, needs hardware	Advanced users, privacy-focused
Pygmalion	Roleplay-optimized, open-source	Less refined, more setup needed	Developers, RP-heavy users

Conclusion

Even if Janitor AI stops working or you’re facing issues with API keys, proxy errors, or rate limits, you’re not stuck. There are plenty of alternatives depending on your needs and comfort level.

• For plug-and-play chatting, go with Character AI or Chai.
  
• For private, customizable setups, explore SillyTavern or Pygmalion.
  
• Want something in between? Try Janitor AI again after a cooldown and consider paid access via OpenRouter.
  

 Final Tips:

• Understanding the proxy model system is key to long-term usage of Janitor AI or its advanced alternatives.
  
• If you’re using DeepSeek or Longcat Flash, stick to low temperature (0–0.3) and shorter memory contexts.
  
• Always save your API keys securely and monitor your daily limits.