---
title: "Use the API key to connect to the Sitecore Send web API"
slug: "use-the-api-key-to-connect-to-the-sitecore-send-web-api"
abstract: "Learn how to pass a valid API key in requests to the Sitecore Send web API."
---
# Use the API key to connect to the Sitecore Send web API

All API calls require authentication. This is essential for security reasons, but also for the API to identify the user who is making the call so that appropriate results are returned. You achieve authentication through the use of an API key.

You must pass a valid API key in each request to the Sitecore Send API. This is a unique key for each account in our system that you use to integrate Sitecore Send with your favorite apps and/or your own applications. You can get your API key from the settings page.

To get your API key:

1. On the menu bar, click **More** > **Settings**.
2. On the menu on the left, click **API key**.
3. On the **API Key** page, click **Copy** or click **Generate API key** if you require a new key.
4. Specify the key as a parameter in the query string of the requesting URL. For example:

    ```text
    https://api.sitecoresend.io/v3/campaigns/create.xml?apikey=YOUR_API_KEY
    ```

    > [!important]
    > Keep your unique API key safe to avoid any unauthorized external access to your account.