What is an API key?
An API key is a long secret code that proves to a service that a request comes from you, so it works like a password for software rather than for people.
In plain words
When your AI agent asks a service to do something, the service needs to know which customer is asking. The API key answers that. It travels with every request, and the service checks it before doing anything.
Because a key can act on your accounts, treat it like a password. Keep it in your AI app's settings or a password manager, and do not paste it into emails, shared documents or public places. If you think a key has leaked, delete it and create a new one. The old one stops working straight away.
Many services let you have several keys. That is useful: one for each AI app or team member, so you can switch one off without affecting the others. Some keys can be limited to certain actions, such as reading only, or drafting replies that wait for approval.
An API key does not replace your platform password. It gives access to the service holding the connection, which then acts on the accounts you chose to connect.
How it works in Spaces
Spaces keys start with spc_live_ and are shown once, when you create them. You can create several, pause one, resume it, or delete it at any time. Grok, Grok Bot and Cursor can sign in with OAuth instead of a key.
A key with the draft-only permission never sends on its own: its replies, new chats, posts and comments always wait for approval. Whichever key an agent uses, the limits belong to each connected account, so a second key never adds to what an account can send.
Related terms
- API: An API, or application programming interface, is a set of rules that lets one piece of software ask another to do something, such as send a message or list your conversations.
- MCP server: An MCP server is the web address a service publishes so AI agents can find and use its tools through the Model Context Protocol.
- Connected account: A connected account is one of your own messaging accounts, such as your WhatsApp number or Instagram profile, that you have linked to a service so an AI agent can read and reply to its conversations.
- AI agent: An AI agent is an AI model, such as ChatGPT, Claude or Grok, that can take actions with tools you give it, like reading a message and sending a reply, rather than only chatting.
FAQ
Where do I find my Spaces API key?
You get one when you sign up, and you can create more in your dashboard. Each key is shown once, so save it somewhere safe.
What if I lose my key?
Create a new one and delete the old one. Keys cannot be shown again after they are created.
Can I switch off one key without stopping everything?
Yes. You can pause a single key and resume it later, or pause all sending for the workspace.
Is an API key the same as my WhatsApp or Instagram password?
No. The key gives access to Spaces. Your platform password stays with the platform.
Can a key be limited to drafts?
Yes. A draft-only key's messages always wait for a person to approve them before anything is sent.
Useful next: Add your key to your AI agent, Account safety, Docs. Every term: the glossary.