Authorization header
Send `Authorization: Bearer $TACKLEKEY_API_KEY`, not the raw key alone and not a browser-only token.
TackleKey
401 invalid API key
Fix 401 invalid API key errors step by step
A 401 error usually means the request reached the service but the key could not be accepted. Start with one raw request and verify the exact key path.
Common causes
Environment variable
Print only whether the variable exists, not the key itself, and restart the process after changing environment values.
Project key scope
Make sure the key belongs to the project and environment you are testing.
Base URL
Use the TackleKey OpenAI-compatible base URL and avoid mixing provider endpoints in the same client config.
Debugging order
| Step | What to check | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Copy cURL example | Use a minimal raw request to rule out SDK configuration issues. | Open |
| 2. Check console key | Create a fresh project key if the current one was revoked or exposed. | Open |
| 3. Check logs | Confirm whether the request appears and which key/project it maps to. | Open |
| 4. Re-test with one model | Use a visible model from live pricing and one short prompt. | Open |
Never paste real API keys into public issue comments, screenshots, chat tools, or frontend bundles.
FAQ
Can I put the API key in frontend code?
No. Keep keys server-side and proxy frontend requests through your own backend when needed.
Should I create a new key after a 401?
Only after checking the header, base URL, project scope, and environment variable. If the key may have leaked, revoke it and create a replacement.
Why does it work locally but fail on the server?
The server may not have the same environment variable, may be using an older deployment, or may be calling a different base URL.
Try TackleKey with one OpenAI-compatible change
Create an account, generate a project API key, then replace your client base URL with the TackleKey endpoint. Keep keys server-side and verify live pricing before scaling traffic.