AI Not Responding
When the AI Assistant won't reply, refuses commands, or returns errors, here's how to fix it.
The AI Assistant is the panel that slides in on the right of the AI Terminal tab. It needs an API key from a provider (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, or any OpenAI-compatible service) to work, and it talks to that provider directly. Most AI problems boil down to a key issue, a network issue, or a provider issue.
CtrlOps doesn't run its own AI service. You bring your own API key from a provider, and CtrlOps stores it locally on your computer. Costs for AI usage are paid directly to your provider, not to CtrlOps.
What we'll cover
- Fixing the "AI Not Configured" empty state.
- "Unauthorized" and "Invalid API key" errors.
- Models dropdown stuck on "Loading models...".
- Slow responses, timeouts, and rate limits.
- AI suggesting wrong or unsafe commands.
- Auto-Run not behaving the way you expected.
Common problems and fixes
When all else fails: gather details and ask
Before reaching out, collect:
| Info | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| The exact error text | From the AI panel chat or the toast |
| Which provider and model you're using | From the dropdown at the bottom-left of the AI panel |
| The status of Test Connection on your credential | Three-dot menu → AI Keys → click your credential |
| A screenshot of the panel | Whole AI panel, including the footer |
Then bring it to:
- Discord community: discord.gg/hBmD2ZAf
- The AI itself, ironically. Paste the error you saw and ask the AI to explain the cause. Often it can.
AI is a fast assistant, not an oracle. Read every command before you click Run, especially anything that deletes files, stops services, or rewrites configs.