> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.athenachat.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.athenachat.ai/api-reference/en/authentication.md).

# Authentication

How to get an API key and authorize requests

Every request must include your API key. The key gives access to the chats of your Athena AI account, so keep it secret.

## Get an API key

API keys are issued by the Athena team. Write to <info@athenachat.ai> or message us on [WhatsApp](https://wa.me/447473396460), and tell us the email of your Athena account.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Store the key on your server only. Never put it in a website, mobile app or any other code that runs on your customers' devices. If the key leaks, ask support to deactivate it and issue a new one.
{% endhint %}

## Authorize requests

Pass the key in the `Authorization` header **as is, without the `Bearer` prefix**:

```bash
curl "https://hub.athenachat.ai/api/v1/chats/chat" \
  -H "Authorization: YOUR_API_KEY"
```

## Authentication errors

| Status                 | `message`                    | What it means                                                          |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `401 Unauthorized`     | `Unauthorized`               | The `Authorization` header is missing, or the account can't be found   |
| `402 Payment Required` | `Payment Required`           | The subscription of the account is stopped — renew it in Athena        |
| `403 Forbidden`        | `Key not active`             | The key has been deactivated                                           |
| `403 Forbidden`        | `Forbidden scoupe/recources` | The key doesn't have access to this endpoint                           |
| `404 Not Found`        | `Key not found`              | The key is wrong — check it, and make sure there is no `Bearer` prefix |

See also [Errors and limits](/api-reference/en/errors-and-limits.md).


---

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