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Setting Up Search Engine in OpenHands

OpenHands can be configured to use Tavily as a search engine, which allows the agent to search the web for information when needed. This capability enhances the agent’s ability to provide up-to-date information and solve problems that require external knowledge.

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Getting a Tavily API Key

To use the search functionality in OpenHands, you’ll need to obtain a Tavily API key:
  1. Visit Tavily’s website and sign up for an account.
  2. Navigate to the API section in your dashboard.
  3. Generate a new API key.
  4. Copy the API key (it should start with tvly-).

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Configuring Search in OpenHands

Once you have your Tavily API key, you can configure OpenHands to use it:

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In the OpenHands UI

  1. Open OpenHands and navigate to the Settings page.
  2. Under the LLM tab, enter your Tavily API key (starting with tvly-) in the Search API Key (Tavily) field.
  3. Click Save to apply the changes.
The search API key field is optional. If you don’t provide a key, the search functionality will not be available to the agent.

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Using Configuration Files

If you’re running OpenHands in headless mode or via CLI, you can configure the search API key in your configuration file: 
# In your OpenHands config file
[core]
search_api_key = "tvly-your-api-key-here"

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How Search Works in OpenHands

When the search engine is configured:
  • The agent can decide to search the web when it needs external information.
  • Search queries are sent to Tavily’s API via Tavily’s MCP server which includes a variety of tools (search, extract, crawl, map).
  • Results are returned and incorporated into the agent’s context.
  • The agent can use this information to provide more accurate and up-to-date responses.

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Limitations

  • Search results depend on Tavily’s coverage and freshness.
  • Usage may be subject to Tavily’s rate limits and pricing tiers.
  • The agent will only search when it determines that external information is needed.

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Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with the search functionality:
  • Verify that your API key is correct and active.
  • Check that your API key starts with tvly-.
  • Ensure you have an active internet connection.
  • Check Tavily’s status page for any service disruptions.