# Configure API Key

## Introduction

The SDK needs your Convai API key to authenticate requests and enable character conversations.

## Prerequisites

* A Convai account
* API key from your [Convai dashboard](https://convai.com/). [(Where to find your API key)](https://docs.convai.com/api-docs/convai-playground/get-started/dashboard-overview#profile-and-settings)

## Step-by-step

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open the Convai Account window in Unity

In the Unity top menu, go to **Convai → Account**.

<figure><img src="https://413558230-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FEtUJA212Zc1S9ACc8T4l%2Fuploads%2FYQVD82ppTroSoVvKqMc0%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=adc08f5f-26ff-49a6-89ca-334042be034b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Copy your API Key from Convai

* Open Convai in your browser and sign in.
* Locate your **API Key** in the dashboard/profile settings.
* Copy the API key.

<figure><img src="https://413558230-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FEtUJA212Zc1S9ACc8T4l%2Fuploads%2FaAdEByWci7sv2HVasGMs%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ce799393-6eb0-4408-96b4-e004e0f8a488" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Paste and update the key in Unity

* Paste the key into the **API Key** field.
* Click **Update API Key**.
* **Expected result:** Account details and usage information refresh successfully.

<figure><img src="https://413558230-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FEtUJA212Zc1S9ACc8T4l%2Fuploads%2FgCkxz2NylGdVV90ZsUW6%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a355f3fc-3624-405d-a8d1-00a58b29f037" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Troubleshooting

* **Account info doesn’t update**
  * Confirm the API key is correct (no extra spaces).
  * Check internet connection and retry.
* **You can’t find your API key**
  * Use the linked dashboard/profile documentation section.

## Conclusion

Your project is now authenticated with Convai. Next, validate the integration using **Sample Scenes** or continue with **Custom Scene Setup**.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Need help?** For questions, please visit the [**Convai Developer Forum**](https://forum.convai.com/).
{% endhint %}