Authorizations
Unkey uses API keys (root keys) for authentication. These keys authorize access to management operations in the API. To authenticate, include your root key in the Authorization header of each request:
Authorization: Bearer unkey_123
Root keys have specific permissions attached to them, controlling what operations they can perform. Key permissions follow a hierarchical structure with patterns like resource.resource_id.action
(e.g., apis.*.create_key
, apis.*.read_api
).
Security best practices:
- Keep root keys secure and never expose them in client-side code
- Use different root keys for different environments
- Rotate keys periodically, especially after team member departures
- Create keys with minimal necessary permissions following least privilege principle
- Monitor key usage with audit logs.
Body
The ID of the key to update (begins with key_
). This is the database reference ID for the key, not the actual API key string that users authenticate with. This ID uniquely identifies which key's credits will be updated.
3
"key_2cGKbMxRyIzhCxo1Idjz8q"
Defines how to modify the key's remaining credits. Use 'set' to replace current credits with a specific value or unlimited usage, 'increment' to add credits for plan upgrades or credit purchases, and 'decrement' to reduce credits for refunds or policy violations.
set
, increment
, decrement
"set"
The credit value to use with the specified operation. The meaning depends on the operation: for 'set', this becomes the new remaining credits value; for 'increment', this amount is added to current credits; for 'decrement', this amount is subtracted from current credits.
Set to null when using 'set' operation to make the key unlimited (removes usage restrictions entirely). When decrementing, if the result would be negative, remaining credits are automatically set to zero. Credits are consumed during successful key verification, and when credits reach zero, verification fails with code=INSUFFICIENT_CREDITS
.
Required when using 'increment' or 'decrement' operations. Optional for 'set' operation (null creates unlimited usage).
0 <= x <= 9223372036854776000
1000
Response
Credits updated successfully. Response includes updated remaining credits and refill settings.
Metadata object included in every API response. This provides context about the request and is essential for debugging, audit trails, and support inquiries. The requestId
is particularly important when troubleshooting issues with the Unkey support team.
Credit configuration and remaining balance for this key.