Troubleshooting API Keys

Common API key errors

"Invalid API key"

This means LinkedGrow could not authenticate with the AI provider using your key.

How to fix:

• Double check you copied the full key with no extra spaces at the beginning or end
• Make sure you are pasting the key into the correct provider tab (e.g., an OpenAI key in the OpenAI tab, not Anthropic)
• Verify the key format matches the expected pattern:
  • OpenAI: starts with sk-
  • Anthropic: starts with sk-ant-
  • Google AI: starts with AIza
  • Grok: starts with xai-
  • Perplexity: starts with pplx-
  • Replicate: starts with r8_
• Check if the key has been revoked or deleted at the provider's dashboard
• Generate a new key if the old one is no longer valid

"Billing not set up" or "Payment required"

The AI provider requires a payment method before you can use the API, even for free tier usage with some providers.

How to fix:

• Go to your provider's billing settings and add a credit or debit card
• OpenAI: Settings > Billing at platform.openai.com
• Anthropic: Settings > Billing at console.anthropic.com
• Google AI: Google Cloud Console billing
• Grok: console.x.ai billing settings
• Perplexity: perplexity.ai/settings/api billing

After adding a payment method, try generating again in LinkedGrow.

"Rate limit exceeded"

You have sent too many requests in a short period.

How to fix:

• Wait 30-60 seconds and try again
• This is more common with new accounts that have lower rate limits
• As your account ages and you add billing, providers typically increase your rate limits
• If this happens frequently, try a different model or provider

"Quota exceeded" or "Insufficient credits"

You have hit your monthly spending limit or your prepaid credits have run out.

How to fix:

• Check your spending limit at the provider's billing dashboard
• Increase your monthly limit if you set one too low
• Add more credits if using a prepaid system
• Switch to a cheaper model to reduce per-generation costs

"Model not available"

The selected model requires special access or is not available in your region.

How to fix:

• Some newer models require waitlist approval - check the provider's documentation
• Try selecting a different model from the dropdown
• Some models may have regional restrictions

Testing your API key

You can verify your key is working correctly in LinkedGrow:

1. Go to Settings > AI API
2. Select the provider and enter your key
3. Click Save - LinkedGrow validates the key when saving
4. If the key is valid, you will see a green success indicator
5. If invalid, an error message explains what went wrong

General troubleshooting tips

• Try a different model - If one model is not working, switch to another under the same provider
• Check provider status - AI providers occasionally have outages. Check their status page if all models are failing
• Regenerate your key - If you suspect your key was compromised or is malfunctioning, delete it and create a new one at the provider's dashboard
• Clear and re-enter - Sometimes copy-paste introduces invisible characters. Delete the key field completely, then paste again

Still having issues?

If none of the above solutions work, contact us at [email protected] with:

• The error message you are seeing
• Which AI provider and model you are trying to use
• When the issue started

We will help you troubleshoot and get up and running.