Core Concepts
API Keys
API keys authenticate programmatic requests to the Neuratel API. Every request must include a valid key in the Authorization header.
Key Format
All Neuratel API keys start with nk_live_. Keys are scoped to a single organization. A key created in one organization cannot access resources in another.
Authentication
Include your API key as a Bearer token in every request:
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Creating an API Key
API keys are managed from Settings → API Keys in the dashboard.
- Click Create API Key
- Enter a descriptive name (e.g., "Production Backend")
- Select the scopes this key needs
- Click Create
The full key value is shown exactly once. Copy it and store it securely — you cannot retrieve it again.
Scopes
Each key is restricted to the scopes you select at creation. A key without a required scope receives 403 Forbidden.
| Scope | Description |
|---|---|
agents:view | Read agent configurations |
agents:create | Create new agents |
agents:edit | Modify existing agents |
agents:delete | Delete agents |
agents:call | Initiate outbound calls and web calls |
analytics:view | View call logs, transcripts, recordings, and analytics |
campaigns:view | Read campaign data |
campaigns:create | Create campaigns |
campaigns:start | Start, pause, and stop campaigns |
numbers:view | List phone numbers |
numbers:edit | Assign and update numbers |
knowledge:view | View knowledge base content |
knowledge:create | Upload and manage KB documents |
webhooks:view | View webhook configurations |
integrations:view | View MCP integrations |
integrations:create | Create and manage integrations |
billing:view | View balance and invoices |
team:view | View team members |
team:invite | Invite team members |
Managing Keys
All key management is done from Settings → API Keys:
- List — all active and revoked keys are visible
- Rotate — generates a replacement key with the same permissions; the old key stays valid for a configurable grace period to enable zero-downtime transitions
- Revoke — immediately invalidates the key; irreversible
Security Best Practices
- Store keys in environment variables — never hardcode keys in source code
- Never commit keys to version control — add
.envto.gitignore - Minimum required scopes — give each key only the permissions it needs
- Separate keys per environment — distinct keys for development, staging, and production
- Separate keys per service — different keys for your backend, campaign runner, analytics pipeline
- Rotate regularly — use the Rotate button with a grace period for zero-downtime transitions
Common Errors
| Error | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
AUTH_1001 | Key is invalid or revoked | Verify the key and check its status in the dashboard |
AUTH_1002 | Key has expired | Rotate the key from the dashboard |
AUTH_1003 | Key lacks required scope | Create a new key with the correct scopes |
Next Steps
- Using API Keys — detailed guide on creating, rotating, and managing keys
- Agents — use your API key to create and manage agents
- Authentication — full authentication reference
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