> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.agentkey.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Authentication

> How AgentKey authenticates usage with your master key.

AgentKey authenticates with a single **master key**. The same key authorizes all
categories — search, scrape, social, crypto, and more — and is tied to your
subscription.

## Your master key

Keys look like `ak_...`. Create and manage them from the
[console](https://console.agentkey.app).

<Warning>
  Your master key is a secret. Anyone with it can spend your credits. Never commit
  it to source control, embed it in client-side code, or paste it into a chat.
</Warning>

## Providing your key

You don't wire the key in by hand. After you [install AgentKey](/connect/install),
the installer (or the skill's setup steps) prompts you to supply your key and
stores it for you. Provide the key exactly as the setup flow instructs.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a key">
    Generate a key in the [console](https://console.agentkey.app).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick a plan">
    Subscribe to a plan — see [Subscription & Billing](/concepts/subscription).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete setup">
    Follow the post-install prompts to provide the key. Confirm any remaining
    setup details from the skill's metadata or the console.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Storing keys safely

* Let the setup flow store the key; don't hard-code it into projects.
* Use separate keys per environment (development, staging, production) so you can
  rotate one without disrupting the others.
* Rotate immediately from the console if a key is ever exposed.

<Note>
  Exact key-provisioning steps are confirmed during install and in the
  [console](https://console.agentkey.app). This page describes the general model.
</Note>