> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://paykilla.gitbook.io/paykilla-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://paykilla.gitbook.io/paykilla-docs/api-integration-1/get-your-api-key.md).

# Get your API key

To make API requests you need an **API key** and a **secret key**.

* The **API key** is sent in each request (for example, via `X-API-KEY` header).
* The **secret key** is stored **only on your backend** and never used in client-side code.

{% hint style="danger" %}
Never share your API key or secret key with third parties.\
If you suspect that your key has been compromised, **immediately deactivate it and generate a new one.**
{% endhint %}

***

## Generate a new API key

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Log in and open API keys

Log in to your Paykilla merchant dashboard.\
Go to the **Settings → API keys** section.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Generate the key pair

Click **Generate API key**.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://1875173078-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeMzQDmlPCp4NUQFwCvQV%2Fuploads%2FxITmVBjMe8g25PBY5mts%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=05a2c3c0-d3c6-4d09-a32e-bc503ef990fa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

The system will create:

* `API key` – public identifier.
* `Secret key` – keep it safe, you will only see it **once**.

Write down / securely store your secret key in a password manager or secret vault.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Lost secret key?

{% hint style="info" %}
If you lose the secret key, you cannot restore it. You will need to generate a new key pair.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Next steps

Now that you have an active API key, you can start using the API.

Next: Receive crypto deposits

The next section explains how to create deposit addresses and track incoming payments.