---
id: tuhi-assistant.require-an-access-key-or-open-on-this-mac
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/tuhi-assistant/require-an-access-key-or-open-on-this-mac
category: "Tuhi, your storage assistant"
subcategory: "AI access for other assistants"
question: "Should I choose \"Require an access key\" or \"Open on this Mac\"?"
alt_questions:
  - "Do I need a key for AI access?"
  - "Can I connect without a key?"
  - "Open on this Mac mode"
  - "Who can connect setting"
short_answer: "Choose Require an access key, the recommended default, so only assistants you've set up can connect. Open on this Mac lets any app on your Mac connect without a key; use it only if your assistant can't send one."
tags: ["ai access", "access key", "security"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/tuhi-assistant/how-do-i-regenerate-the-ai-access-key", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/tuhi-assistant/does-ai-access-send-data-over-the-internet"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Should I choose "Require an access key" or "Open on this Mac"?

Choose **Require an access key** — it's the default and the recommended setting. Assistants must present your key to connect, so only the tools you've set up can read your storage.

**Open on this Mac** drops the key so any app running on your Mac can connect. It's simpler, but less private; use it only if your assistant can't send a key and you're comfortable with that trade-off. Either way, nothing outside your Mac can connect.