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Create or delete an API key

In this article, we will explain what an API key is and how you can create a new one or delete an existing one.

💡 Good to know
Only Sendinblue users with API keys permission can access the SMTP & API page, create a new API key, or delete an existing API key. To learn more about user permissions and permission levels, check our dedicated article User permissions and permission levels in Sendinblue.

What is an API key?

An API key is a code used to identify and authenticate an application or user. It acts as a unique identifier and provides a secret token for authentication purposes.

For example, you can use an API key to connect your website or information system to Sendinblue. This will enable you to automatically and manually trigger certain actions between the two.

With an API key, you can also connect to our API to automatically add new contacts, as well as do more complex tasks, such as:

  • Creating and scheduling campaigns from the API.
  • Exporting users that belong to particular lists.
  • Exporting campaign statistics, etc.

To access the full list of commands that you can use with our API, check our API documentation.

Best practices with API keys

API keys give full access to your Sendinblue account and should be protected in the same way as a password. Here are a few best practices to keep in mind when working with API keys:

  • Use a different API key for each integration and specify the name of the integration in the name of the API key so that you know exactly which key corresponds to each integration. That way, if an API key is compromised, you can delete it without impacting your other integrations.
  • Store your API keys in a safe environment, not in a Word document or post-it note.
  • Don't expose your API key to the public. Make sure you hide your API key, or even better, cut it completely in screenshots or videos.
  • Never send an API key via email, as this will give access to your Sendinblue account if someone hacks your email account.
  • Always delete API keys that are no longer used to limit the risks of leaks.

Create an API key

When configuring an integration with your Sendinblue account, you may need to create a new API key:

  1. Go to Your account name > SMTP & API.
  2. Click + CREATE A NEW API KEY.
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  3. Name your API key. Make sure it specifies with which integration the API key will be used so that you can easily recognize it.
  4. Click Generate.
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  5. Copy your API key and store it in a safe environment.
    ❗️ Important
    Your API key is only visible during this step. Once your API key is created, you won't be able to copy it anymore and you'll need to create a new one if you lose it.
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  6. Click OK.

You have now successfully created a new API key.

Delete an API key

❗️ Important
Deleting an API key is irreversible. Before deleting an API key, make sure you no longer use the integration that requires it or that you've replaced it with a new API key. If you delete an API key that is still being used, you'll experience integration failures.

If your account has been compromised or if you no longer use an integration that requires a particular API key, you can delete that API key:

  1. Go to Your account name > SMTP & API.
  2. Click the bin icon next to the API key that you want to delete.
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  3. Click Yes to confirm.

You have now successfully deleted your API key.

🤔 Have a question?

If you have a question, feel free to contact our support team by creating a ticket from your account. If you don't have an account yet, you can contact us here.