> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developers.debounce.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Authentication

> How to authenticate your DeBounce API requests

All DeBounce API requests require authentication using your account’s API key. This key authorizes your requests and ensures they are associated with your account.

## API Key Overview

A DeBounce API key is a unique 13-character alphanumeric token tied to your account.

<Check>
  Include your API key in every request using the `api` parameter.
</Check>

To authenticate a request, append your API key to the query string:

```
&api=YOUR_API_KEY
```

This method allows requests to be authenticated without requiring custom headers.

<Tip>
  Requests missing a valid API key will be rejected.
</Tip>

## How to Get Your API Key

Visit your DeBounce dashboard and open the [API Settings](https://app.debounce.io/api) page to generate or manage your API key.

## Example Request

```bash theme={null}
curl -X GET "https://api.debounce.io/?api=YOUR_API_KEY&email=example@gmail.com"
```

<Note>
  Store your API key securely and avoid exposing it in client-side code, public repositories, or shared environments.
</Note>