What is an API key?
It’s the credential that identifies who is calling the API and which workspace they belong to. Think of a building access card: you don’t need username and password on every request, just present the card in the header. Each key starts withsk_live_... (production) or sk_test_... (sandbox).
What is it for?
The key connects your code to Notifique. With it you can:- Send messages (WhatsApp, SMS, email, push, and other channels)
- Query history, status, and inbound messages
- Manage instances, templates, contacts, and automations (based on selected scopes)
Why use separate keys?
Like giving each employee their own card: if one loses theirs, you cancel just that card.
What you can do in the dashboard
In Developer → API Keys, you manage the workspace access cards:- View which integrations already have an active key
- Create a new key with a name and permissions
- Revoke a compromised key without affecting the others
- Rotate access: one key per app, service, or environment
Sandbox vs production
Same building, different doors:- Sandbox (
sk_test_...): flight simulator. You test the full journey, but nothing is actually delivered. Check sends in Developer → Sandbox inbox - Production (
sk_live_...): real flight. The message goes out and credits are used
How to create a key
Keys are created in the dashboard. You can’t create them via the public API:- Open Developer → API Keys
- Click Create key
- Name it and select the scopes: the doors this key can open
- Copy it immediately. It starts with
sk_live_...orsk_test_...
How to use in your integration
On every API call, present the card in theAuthorization header:
x-api-key instead of Authorization. The full walkthrough is in Start here.
Best practices
- Never leave the key in public code. Store it in
.env, like your office Wi-Fi password - One key per integration. If the test app leaks, production stays safe
- Leaked? Revoke in Developer → API Keys and issue a new one right away
Scopes and permissions
Scopes are the doors each key opens. Select only what your integration needs. Don’t hand out the master key if you only send SMS. Pick the channel you’ll integrate and see the full list of permissions:Send, connect number, groups
SMS
Send, query, cancel
Telegram
Send, connect bot, read messages
Send, reply to comments
Send, configure domain
Push
Send, manage apps
RCS
Send, query, cancel
Voice
Call, control, record
Templates
Create templates and send
Contacts & audience
Contacts, tags, campaigns
Automations
Flows and events
Short links
Links and conversions
Virtual numbers
Query and configure
Marketing add-ons
Forms and integrations
Next steps
- Start here: send your first message
- Webhooks: get alerts on your server, like a push notification

