diff --git a/interpreter/core/async_core.py b/interpreter/core/async_core.py
index 9d4e3f1076..e88692ff4d 100644
--- a/interpreter/core/async_core.py
+++ b/interpreter/core/async_core.py
@@ -443,7 +443,10 @@ async def receive_input():
                             return
                         data = await websocket.receive()
 
-                        if not authenticated:
+                        if (
+                            not authenticated
+                            and os.getenv("INTERPRETER_REQUIRE_AUTH") != "False"
+                        ):
                             if "text" in data:
                                 data = json.loads(data["text"])
                                 if "auth" in data:
diff --git a/interpreter/terminal_interface/validate_llm_settings.py b/interpreter/terminal_interface/validate_llm_settings.py
index e656ad20df..786632ed89 100644
--- a/interpreter/terminal_interface/validate_llm_settings.py
+++ b/interpreter/terminal_interface/validate_llm_settings.py
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ def validate_llm_settings(interpreter):
                     and not interpreter.llm.api_key
                     and not interpreter.llm.api_base
                 ):
-                    display_welcome_message_once()
+                    display_welcome_message_once(interpreter)
 
                     interpreter.display_message(
                         """---
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ def validate_llm_settings(interpreter):
     return
 
 
-def display_welcome_message_once():
+def display_welcome_message_once(interpreter):
     """
     Displays a welcome message only on its first call.