How to change the AI provider for Docker projects on Hostinger VPS

If you want to switch from Hostinger AI Router to a different provider or check if your OpenClaw setup (or any other project using AI) is correctly configured, you can manage your settings directly through Hostinger dashboard.

Instead of using terminal commands or editing configuration files via SSH, the most efficient way to manage these settings is through the Docker Manager environment variables. This ensures that your API keys are correctly injected into the container environment and persist across updates.

Before you start

• Ensure you have a running OpenClaw container (or any other AI-based Docker application) in your Docker Manager.
• Obtain a valid API key from your chosen provider (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic, or xAI).

Step 1 – Remove the Hostinger AI Router configuration

To disable Hostinger AI Router credits, remove the existing API key:

1. Go to Hostinger dashboard → VPS → Manage → Docker Manager → Projects
2. Locate your OpenClaw or AI container and click Manage.
3. Navigate to the Environment variables (.env) section and click to expand it.
4. Find the HOSTINGER_AI_KEY (or NEXOS_API_KEY) variable and click the bin icon to remove it.
   
5. Click Save and deploy.

Step 2 – Configure a new AI provider

To add a new provider like OpenAI, Anthropic, or xAI, follow these steps:

1. In the same Environment variables section, click + Environment to create a new variable.
2. Enter the variable name required by your specific model:
   1. ANTHROPIC_API_KEY for Anthropic
   2. OPENAI_API_KEY for OpenAI
   3. XAI_API_KEY for xAI.
3. Paste your corresponding API key into the Value field.
4. Click Deploy to apply the changes.

After the container finishes re-deploying, your application will stop using Hostinger AI Router credits and begin using your newly configured AI provider. This ensures your setup remains flexible and updated with your preferred AI models without needing manual terminal commands.

NOTES

• Do not edit the .env file directly via SSH, as changes made outside of the Docker Manager may be overwritten during the next deployment.

• To monitor your container’s status after switching providers, see how to manage your Docker projects at Hostinger.