AI setup
Deskless offers free on-device coding help on supported devices and cloud AI with your own provider API key. Agent Mode is available on both iOS and Android.
Free on-device help
- iPhone and iPad: use Apple Intelligence for quick coding help on supported devices.
- Android: use Gemini Nano for supported on-device coding actions when the device and model are ready.
On-device help does not require Deskless Pro or a provider API key, and prompts are processed on your device. Availability depends on device support, system settings, and model readiness; installing Deskless alone does not guarantee access. Check the AI options available in the app.
On-device assistance handles quick coding actions. Agent Mode requires Deskless Pro and a cloud provider API key on both platforms.
Cloud AI with Pro
For cloud AI actions and Agent Mode, choose your provider and model, connect your own API key, and pay the provider directly for usage. Requests go directly from your device to that provider.
Supported providers
| Provider | Create a key |
|---|---|
| OpenAI | platform.openai.com/api-keys |
| Anthropic | console.anthropic.com |
| aistudio.google.com/apikey | |
| xAI | console.x.ai |
Available model names can change. Deskless shows the models supported by the current app and provider configuration.
Add a provider key
- Open Settings → AI.
- Choose a provider.
- Paste the API key created in that provider’s console.
- Select a default model if prompted.
- Save and run a small Explain request to confirm the connection.
Keys are stored using the secure credential storage provided by your operating system. Deskless does not send them to its own servers.
One-shot AI actions
Select code, open the AI actions menu, then choose Explain, Improve, Add Comments, or Find Bugs. Actions that can edit code show the result for review before you insert or replace anything.
Agent Mode
Use Agent Mode for multi-file, multi-step work. It can inspect the repo, build a plan, target relevant files and symbols, propose patches, verify risky edits, and present a grouped review. See Agent Mode for the complete workflow.
Privacy and cost
- On-device AI processes prompts locally. Cloud requests go directly from your device to the provider you selected.
- The provider’s terms, retention settings, rate limits, and pricing apply.
- Deskless does not sell AI credits or add a usage markup.
- Send only code and context you are authorized to share.
- Always review and test generated changes.