---
title: Use DeepSeek
nav: DeepSeek
summary: Run Agent J on DeepSeek: a pay-as-you-go open platform key works today through OpenCode; the Volcano Ark and Alibaba Bailian plans include DeepSeek models too; DeepSeek's own AI coding tool is coming soon.
order: 43
---
# Use DeepSeek

DeepSeek's models reach Agent J by three routes. Start with the one that matches what you have.

Not sure which vendor to pick? Start at [Choose by your model](/docs/models/). Installing and pairing your phone are the same for every vendor: see [Install](/docs/install/) and [Using it on your phone](/docs/phone/).

## Who it is for {#who}

| What you have | How | Supported now |
|---|---|---|
| A DeepSeek open platform account with credit (pay as you go) | DeepSeek in OpenCode, below | Yes |
| A Volcano Ark Coding Plan or an Alibaba Bailian Token Plan | Pick a DeepSeek model inside the plan: [Volcano Ark](/docs/ark/#models), [Alibaba Bailian](/docs/bailian/#models) | Yes |
| You want DeepSeek's own AI coding tool | Not yet | **Coming soon** |

Nothing yet and you want a monthly plan? We recommend [Volcano Ark](/docs/ark/) first: one key includes DeepSeek's models and other vendors' as well.

## Sign up and pay {#plan}

1. Open the DeepSeek open platform https://platform.deepseek.com/ , sign up, complete identity verification and add credit.
2. It is pay as you go; there is no monthly plan. The official price page is authoritative: [DeepSeek models and pricing](https://api-docs.deepseek.com/zh-cn/quick_start/pricing).

## Get the key {#key}

Create a key on the platform's API Keys page. **Never send it in the chat or give it to the Agent.**

## Hand the key to Agent J {#hand-over}

A DeepSeek open platform key is stored by OpenCode itself for now, not through the phone key card. You type it only in **your own terminal**; neither Agent J nor the Agent ever sees it:

1. In your own terminal, run `opencode auth login`, pick DeepSeek in the list and paste the key. It stays in OpenCode's own credential store on this computer and goes only to DeepSeek.
2. Tell the Agent on your computer: switch to DeepSeek. It runs:

```bash
agentj agent switch opencode --model deepseek/deepseek-flash
```

Models are written `deepseek/<model>`; `opencode models` lists every model OpenCode can use on this computer.

A key that is only `export`ed in your terminal is invisible to the Agent J background service, so store it with `opencode auth login`.

## AI coding tools {#tools}

- **OpenCode**: the only route for now. OpenCode already knows DeepSeek. Not installed yet? See [Set up AI command-line tools](/docs/setup-agents/#opencode).
- **Claude Code, Codex**: Agent J has no one-step setup for them with a DeepSeek open platform key.
- **DeepSeek's own AI coding tool**: coming soon. This page will be updated when it is supported.

## Models and screenshots {#models}

- `deepseek/deepseek-flash` (DeepSeek V4.1 Flash): cheaper, reads images, good for simple tasks and screenshots.
- Other models: see their names with `opencode models`. Not sure whether one reads images? Send it one screenshot from your phone and see.

DeepSeek models inside the plans:

| Plan | Model | Reads screenshots |
|---|---|---|
| Volcano Ark | `deepseek-v4-1-flash` | Yes (tested on 2026-10-16) |
| Volcano Ark | `deepseek-v4-pro`, `deepseek-v4-flash` | No |
| Alibaba Bailian | `deepseek-v4-pro` | No |

With a model that cannot read images, a screenshot from your phone or a page the browser automation needs to look at never reaches the model, and it says it got no image. Switch to a model that reads images.

## Common problems {#pitfalls}

- **The phone says OpenCode has no key for DeepSeek**: the key was only `export`ed in a terminal. Store it once with `opencode auth login` as above, then send again.
- **Several DeepSeek keys stored**: newer OpenCode uses only the selected one. Run `opencode auth switch deepseek` on the computer to pick the right one.
- **Out of credit**: top up on the platform, then send again.

## Switch back {#switch-back}

Tell the Agent at any time: switch back to Claude Code (or Codex). It checks first and switches only if that works. Or run it on the computer yourself:

```bash
agentj agent switch claude
```

To go straight back to the tool you used before the last switch:

```bash
agentj agent switch --undo
```

Details: [Switch AI coding tool](/docs/switch-harness/).