Start an AI business!

If you’re building an AI business (like maybe your own ChatGPT wrapper app), you’re probably using an OpenAI model. But increasingly, people are coming around to the idea that Anthropic’s models are better for a wide variety of use cases. Which means you’re probably building an app using a Claude API key.

And unlike OpenAI, Anthropic has a whole different system for managing API keys. Which has a lot of people asking:

“Why Isn’t My Anthropic API Key for Claude Working?“

A lot of times you get an API key, enter it in your tool, but then get strange error messages. A common one is:

“This API key is not able to connect. Please check with Anthropic to make sure it’s correct and available for use.”

Here’s a quick guide to troubleshoot and solve this issue.

Common Issues and Fixes

Here are some common issues with Anthropic API keys and common fixes. Most of these issues will be fixed within the Anthropic billing console.

1. API Key and Web App Accounts Are Separate
   Many users don’t realize that the account for generating an API key is different from the one for using the Claude web app (claude.ai). Make sure you’re using the API-specific account.
   
2. Pre-Payment Might Be Required
   Even if you’re on a paid Claude plan, Anthropic sometimes requires a small pre-payment for brand-new API keys. This helps ensure the keyholder is legitimate and not a malicious actor. To fix this, simply log into the Anthropic billing portal and add $10 to your account. This often resolves the issue.
   
3. Double-Check Key Entry
   Ensure your API key was entered without any typos, extra spaces, or formatting issues.
   
4. Check Key Permissions
   Verify that the API key you’re using has the proper permissions enabled. This might require contacting Anthropic support if something seems off.

If you’ve followed these steps and are still having trouble, consider reaching out to Anthropic’s support team. Or check out this detailed forum post about common Anthropic API key billing issues.

Have questions or solutions to share? Drop them in the comments below!