# Authentication

To unlock the full power of **BrowserAPI**, you have to [**register**](https://app.webscrapingapi.com/register) for a new account. Once you confirm your account, you will be able generate an API key, required to authenticate your requests. 

### The API key

The API key for BrowserAPI is available after registration, inside the Dashboard, by navigating to the BrowserAPI tab in the left panel. 

In our documentation, we will refer to the API key by using the following syntax:**`<YOUR_API_KEY>`**

Passing the API key as a parameter is  <mark style="color:yellow;">**required**</mark>  in order to authorise your requests. Failing to pass an API key or passing an invalid API key will result in an error.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Attention required!** Please note that your API key will directly impact the usage on your subscription plan.&#x20;

In order to prevent unauthorized access to your WebscrapingAPI account, make sure you **store your API key in a secure location** and never include it in any public scripts or files.
{% endhint %}