Pi custom / variant model

When to Use

Use when a requested provider/model ID is unavailable or a saved selection resolves unexpectedly. Verify the installed Pi version and catalog first: current Pi can overlay its bundled catalog with newer data, and pi update --models refreshes it. Do not assume a particular fallback model or that every variant needs manual registration. Check the provider's actual supported ID and routing options.

Files (global)

• ~/.pi/agent/settings.json — defaultProvider, defaultModel, defaultThinkingLevel
• ~/.pi/agent/models.json — custom models, keyed by provider
• ~/.pi/agent/auth.json — provider credentials (check the provider key exists)

Steps