Let’s get you connected.

01 Before you start

This guide follows the current project target: TI-84 Plus CE running OS 5.8.4. Other calculator models and OS versions are not confirmed for TI84AI. Your purchase includes the calculator and installed TI84AI hardware and software.

• A charged, compatible calculator with TI84AI hardware installed.
• A phone or computer for account and Wi-Fi setup. A computer and calculator data cable are needed only for app reinstallation or updates.
• A Wi-Fi network with internet access.
• Your own OpenAI API account and available API credit or billing.

Back up important calculator files before installing software. Use TI84AI for learning and only where your school or instructor permits it.

02 Reinstall the app (optional)

Skip this section for a newly supplied TI84AI calculator. Use it if you need to restore the app after deleting it or resetting your calculator.

1. For file transfer, either disable the module’s TI USB mode before connecting to your computer, or connect the USB cable between your computer and calculator, then turn the calculator off and back on with the cable connected.
2. Get PONG.8xp from Downloads and the CE runtime libraries: LIBLOAD, GRAPHX, KEYPADC, and USBDRVCE.
3. Use TI Connect CE or another compatible transfer tool to send the program and libraries to your calculator.
4. OS 5.8.4 needs a compatible native-code launcher. Follow the official arTIfiCE instructions for v2.1 / OS 5.8.4 if a launcher is not already installed. Do not choose a newer launcher solely because it is labeled “latest.”
5. Disconnect the computer’s USB cable after the transfers. Finish the device setup below before launching the helper.

03 Create your OpenAI API key

Create your key while your phone or computer still has its normal internet connection. OpenAI API usage is paid separately from your calculator purchase.

1. Sign in or create an account at the OpenAI API Platform.
2. Open the platform’s billing settings and add prepaid API credits. You pay upfront, and API usage is deducted from your balance as you go. $10 is a good starting balance and can go a long way for short homework questions with a lower-cost model. How long it lasts depends on the model you choose, the length of questions and answers, and photo use. Review the current model pricing before adding credit.
3. Choose or create a project for your calculator, then open API keys and create a secret key. A name such as TI84AI calculator will help you identify it later.
4. Copy the key and keep it private. You’ll paste it into your device’s local configuration page in step 4. Do not enter it on ti84ai.com or email it to support.
5. Review your project’s spending controls. A spend alert is only a notification; an enforced monthly limit stops traffic once tracked spend reaches the cap, with possible small overages while enforcement catches up.

Official references: API quickstart and spend limits. OpenAI’s dashboard labels and billing options may change.

04 Connect Wi-Fi & save your key

Power on the calculator and TI84AI hardware. On a fresh installation, the setup hotspot uses these defaults; use your supplied credentials if they have been changed.

1. Join TI84-Setup from your phone or computer. Stay connected if it warns that the network has no internet.
2. Type http://192.168.4.1 into your browser’s address bar. This is the device’s local page, not this website.
3. In assistant settings, paste your OpenAI key. Keep the default model selected—it is the preferred model for TI84AI. If you choose a different model, make sure it is available to your account and supports image input for photo questions. Select Save assistant settings.
4. Add your normal Wi-Fi network and password. Plan to use your calculator in other locations, such as school? Add those Wi-Fi network names and passwords too. If your phone supports a personal hotspot, you can also save its network name and password for use on the go. Choose your preferred network, then select Save Wi-Fi networks. You can switch between saved Wi-Fi networks directly from the TI app when you change locations.
5. Optional: Change the setup hotspot password in the setup-network section and select Save setup network. Reconnect using the new credentials if needed.
6. Wait for the status panel to show a Wi-Fi connection and internet access. Keep the calculator’s external USB cable disconnected, read and acknowledge the on-device warning, and enable TI USB mode.

If the hotspot is missing, open the calculator app’s Settings → 4: Turn setup hotspot on. A fresh module also starts the hotspot when no station network is saved.

05 Ask your first question

1. Open your native-code launcher and start PONG. Press MODE to enter the helper.
2. Check the top status bar for USB, WIFI, NET, and AI. A saved key is not proof of a successful API request; your first answered question confirms it works.
3. Try Solve x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0 and explain the steps. Press ENTER to send.
4. Read the answer and use the arrow keys to scroll. Press WINDOW to ask a follow-up, such as Why did you choose -2 and -3?

For a photo question, capture the problem with TRACE, check it with STAT, then send with ENTER. Capturing alone does not call OpenAI.

06 Keep the software up to date

Check Downloads for the matching calculator app and module firmware. Read the release status and board compatibility before installing.

1. For a routine module update, download ti84-helper-ota.bin.
2. Connect to the device’s setup page, select the OTA application file in the firmware updater, and choose Upload and restart.
3. Keep the calculator powered throughout the update. Reconnect after the module restarts.
4. Install the matching PONG.8xp on the calculator, with module TI USB mode disabled during computer transfers.