diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 4df063825a..7c51d53136 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ You can deploy your own version of the Next.js AI Chatbot to Vercel with one cli
 
 You will need to use the environment variables [defined in `.env.example`](.env.example) to run Next.js AI Chatbot. It's recommended you use [Vercel Environment Variables](https://vercel.com/docs/projects/environment-variables) for this, but a `.env` file is all that is necessary.
 
-> Note: You should not commit your `.env` file or it will expose secrets that will allow others to control access to your various AI and authentication provider accounts.
+> Note: You should not commit your `.env.local` file or it will expose secrets that will allow others to control access to your various AI and authentication provider accounts.
 
 1. Install Vercel CLI: `npm i -g vercel`
 2. Link local instance with Vercel and GitHub accounts (creates `.vercel` directory): `vercel link`