This documentation is designed to assist users in navigating the Stripe dashboard to find or generate the necessary API keys for live transactions. Suitable for both newcomers and seasoned users, the steps outlined below will ensure you can securely integrate Stripe's payment processing features into your applications.
Introduction to Stripe API Keys
Stripe uses API keys to authenticate requests to its API, crucial for processing payments securely and efficiently. These keys are divided into Publishable keys and Secret keys, each serving distinct roles in the payment process. Moreover, Stripe provides Test and Live modes for these keys to facilitate development and real-world transaction processing, respectively.
What You Will Need
- A Stripe account. Sign up at stripe.com if you haven't already.
- Access to your Stripe dashboard after logging in.
Step 1: Sign Up or Log In to Stripe
- Sign Up: For new users, navigate to stripe.com and sign up by providing the required business and personal details.
- Log In: Existing users can log in directly to access the Stripe dashboard.
Step 2: Access Your Dashboard
Upon logging in, you'll be directed to the Stripe dashboard, your hub for managing payments, viewing transactions, and accessing API keys.
Step 3: Navigate to the Developers Section
- Look for the "Developers" button, located at the top right corner of your dashboard. Clicking this button will open the Developers page.
- On the Developers page, you will find several tabs. Click on the "API keys" tab to proceed to the section where your API keys are managed.
Step 4: Locate Your Live API Keys
On the API keys page, Stripe separates the keys into Test and Live data for clarity:
- Ensure you're viewing Live data. This might involve selecting "Live" from a toggle or dropdown menu, now prominently displayed to facilitate the switch between Test and Live environments.
- In Live mode, you will find:
- Publishable Key: Identified by the prefix 'pk_live_'
- Secret Key: Identified by the prefix 'sk_live_'
Security Reminder: Your Secret Key is essential for accessing your Stripe account and should be kept confidential. Never share it or include it in client-side code.
Step 5: Generating New API Keys (Optional)
Should you need to generate new Live API keys:
- On the API keys page, locate and click on the "Create new key" option.
- You will be prompted to name the key. Assigning a descriptive name helps in managing multiple keys efficiently.
- Click "Create" to generate your new keys.
Note: New keys do not replace old ones automatically. If you suspect your keys have been compromised, delete or regenerate them as soon as possible.
Best Practices
- Secure Your Keys: Always safeguard your live secret key. Do not expose it in public code repositories or client-side code.
- Access Control: Generate and distribute API keys only to team members who require them.
- Review and Audit: Regularly check your API keys and their usage. Retire any keys that are obsolete or no longer in use.
Conclusion
Following these updated steps will guide you through locating and generating your Stripe Live API keys. These keys are vital for integrating Stripe’s payment functionalities into your digital platforms securely. Adhere to best practices to protect your transactions and sensitive data.
For further details or support, refer to Stripe's official documentation or reach out to their support team.