Problem: The val crashes when loading the web interface.

Solution: The API key validation has been fixed. The val now:

• ✅ Loads the web interface even without an API key
• ✅ Shows a helpful warning message when API key is missing
• ✅ Only validates API key when making actual searches

Problem: API key not configured.

Solution:

1. Go to your Val Town dashboard
2. Navigate to Settings → Environment Variables
3. Add a new environment variable:
   • Key: XAI_API_KEY
   • Value: Your xAI API key from x.ai

Problem: Malformed request payload.

Solution: Ensure your API requests have proper JSON formatting:

curl -X POST https://your-val-url.web.val.run \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"query":"test search"}'

Problem: Invalid or expired API key.

Solution:

1. Verify your xAI API key is correct
2. Check if the key has sufficient credits
3. Generate a new API key from x.ai dashboard if needed

Problem: Searches taking too long.

Causes and Solutions:

• Media Analysis: Disable image/video analysis for faster results
• Complex Queries: Use more specific, focused queries
• API Rate Limits: Wait between requests if making many calls

Problem: Empty or irrelevant search results.

Solutions:

• Try different query wording
• Remove date restrictions
• Check if target user has recent posts
• Verify the X handle is spelled correctly

Visit your val URL in a browser:

• Should load without errors
• Show warning if API key is missing
• Display form interface

curl -X POST https://your-val-url.web.val.run \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"query":"test"}'

In Val Town dashboard → Settings → Environment Variables:

• XAI_API_KEY should be set
• No extra spaces or line breaks in the value

Check the val's logs in Val Town dashboard for detailed error messages.

1. Disable Media Analysis: Uncheck "Include image and video analysis" for faster searches
2. Use Specific Queries: More focused queries return faster results
3. Limit Result Count: Set reasonable maxResults values
4. Avoid Date Ranges: Only use date filtering when necessary

If issues persist:

1. Check this guide first
2. Review the val logs in Val Town dashboard
3. Test with the xAI API directly
4. Verify your xAI account status and credits

• XAI_API_KEY is set in Val Town dashboard
• API key has no extra spaces or characters
• API key is active and has credits
• No typos in the environment variable name