What this helps you do¶
Every chat is powered by a specific AI model, and the model selector lets you see and change which one you're using — including local, on-device models.
Choosing a model¶
Open the model selector to see the models available to your account mode. Each option is labeled with badges so you know what you're getting before you switch:
- Free / HiMoose Cloud / Paid or BYOK — which account modes can use this model.
- Speed: Slow / Average / Very Fast — a rough sense of response latency.
- Local — runs entirely on your device (see below).
If a model isn't available for your current account mode, Hi, Moose tells you so directly rather than silently falling back to a different model.
Local models¶
Approved local models (like Google's Gemma) run entirely on your computer — no tokens used, no cloud round-trip, and no data leaves your device. The first time you select a local model, Hi, Moose walks you through setup. Once downloaded and activated, local responses are fast on Apple Silicon; on Intel-based Macs, the model runs on CPU and will be noticeably slower than cloud models.
Higher-cost models¶
Some models use meaningfully more of your token allowance than the standard option. If you pick one of these, Hi, Moose confirms first — showing roughly how many times more tokens it uses — so you don't burn through your balance by accident.
Web search grounding¶
Chat can optionally ground its answers in live web search results for the current conversation. This toggle is available on BYOK Premium and paid managed plans; it isn't included on BYOK Free or Preview Mode.
When a model can't be used¶
You may see a message instead of a response if:
- the selected model is temporarily unavailable (try another model),
- the model isn't allowed for your account type (choose one that's included in your plan), or
- an image was attached to a model that doesn't support image input (switch to a model that does).
Where this fits with BYOK¶
In BYOK modes, model selection determines which model your own OpenRouter key calls — inference still runs locally in the desktop app. See Account Types & Modes for how model access differs across Preview Mode, BYOK Free, BYOK Premium, and Paid Managed.