> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cronapi.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Authentication

> Generate and use API keys to authenticate your requests

All API requests require a Bearer token in the `Authorization` header.

## Getting your API key

1. Log into the [CronAPI dashboard](https://app.cronapi.dev)
2. Navigate to the [API Key](https://app.cronapi.dev/dashboard/api-key) page in the sidebar
3. Your API key is generated automatically on first visit
4. Copy the key immediately — the full plaintext key is only shown once

<Warning>
  Store your API key securely. It cannot be retrieved after the initial display — only the prefix is stored for identification.
</Warning>

## Using your API key

Include the key in the `Authorization` header of every API request:

```bash theme={null}
curl https://app.cronapi.dev/api/v1/crons \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer APIKEY"
```

## Regenerating your key

You can regenerate your API key from the dashboard at any time. This immediately invalidates the previous key — any requests using the old key will return `401 Unauthorized`.

## Error responses

If authentication fails, the API returns:

```json 401 theme={null}
{
  "error": "Missing or invalid Authorization header"
}
```

Common causes:

* Missing `Authorization` header
* Missing `Bearer` prefix
* Invalid or revoked API key