Cannot connect DeepSeek API in Cursor (usage limit / model not working)

Support Help
1

Hi, I’m trying to use DeepSeek API in Cursor but it’s not working.

What I did:

Problem:

  • Cursor shows “you’ve hit your usage limit” OR model cannot be used
  • It seems Cursor is not actually using my DeepSeek API

What I expected:

  • Use DeepSeek model inside Cursor chat

What I tried:

  • Re-login
  • Re-add model
  • Checked API key balance

Can anyone help me figure out what I’m doing wrong?

Thanks!

5

Hey, thanks for the detailed write-up. This isn’t a bug, the behavior changed.

Using your own API key (BYOK) for DeepSeek and other custom models in Agent, Composer, Edit, and Ask now requires a Pro subscription on all plans. On Free, it used to work as an undocumented option, but that’s now closed. The “you’ve hit your usage limit” message is misleading in this case, it’s actually a subscription check.

Options:

  • Upgrade to Pro to keep using BYOK
  • Stay on Free and use Cursor’s free models without your own key

I get it, it’s frustrating when something used to work and then stops. More details here: Ask mode with my own API Key required Pro Subscription