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Get an API key

API keys are used to authenticate your requests to the Instacart Developer Platform. This guide covers how to create, manage, and secure your API keys.

Environment-specific keys​

We recommend using different API keys for different environments:

  • Development keys: Use test environment keys for development and testing.
  • Production keys: Use prod environment keys only for live applications.
  • Staging keys: Consider separate keys for staging environments.

Key permissions and scopes​

API keys can be configured with different permission levels:

  • Read-only: Access to retrieve data but cannot create or modify resources.
  • Read-write: Full access to create, read, update resources.
  • Admin: Full access including sensitive operations (use sparingly).

Create an API key​

Create the AP I key and then copy the key to a safe place. For security reasons, you won't be able to view the full key again once you navigate away from the creation page.

  1. Log in to your Instacart Developer Dashboard.
  2. Navigate to the API Keys section.
  3. Click Create New API Key.
  4. Provide a descriptive name for your key, such "Development Environment".
  5. Select the appropriate permissions and scopes.
  6. Click Generate Key.
  7. Important. Copy your API key and save it in a safe place.

Viewing your keys​

In the Developer Dashboard, you can:

  • View all your active API keys.
  • See when each key was created and last used.
  • Check the permissions associated with each key.
  • Monitor usage statistics for each key.

API key structure​

Instacart API keys follow this format:

ic_prod_1234567890abcdef1234567890abcdef
  • ic_ - Prefix identifying it as an Instacart key.
  • prod or test - Environment indicator.
  • 1234567890abcdef1234567890abcdef - Unique identifier.
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