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

# Authentication

> Learn how to authenticate your API requests using token-based authentication

All requests to the lobstr.io API must include an `Authorization` header with your API token. You can obtain your API token from the [API menu](https://app.lobstr.io/dashboard/api) in your dashboard.

The authentication format follows the standard Token authentication scheme:

```
Authorization: Token YOUR_API_KEY
```

Once authenticated, you'll have access to all API endpoints based on your account's permission level and subscription plan.

## Headers

<ParamField header="Authorization" type="string" required>
  Your API authentication token from the dashboard. Value: `Token YOUR_API_KEY`
</ParamField>

<Tip>
  Store your API key in environment variables rather than hardcoding it in your source code. This prevents accidental exposure in version control systems.
</Tip>

<Warning>
  Never share your API key publicly or commit it to public repositories. Treat it like a password.
</Warning>

<Note>
  If you believe your API key has been compromised, regenerate it immediately from your dashboard. The old key will be invalidated.
</Note>

## Code Examples

<CodeGroup>
  ```bash cURL theme={null}
  curl -X GET "https://api.lobstr.io/v1/me" \
    -H "Authorization: Token YOUR_API_KEY"
  ```

  ```python Python theme={null}
  import requests

  headers = {
      "Authorization": "Token YOUR_API_KEY",
  }

  response = requests.get(
      "https://api.lobstr.io/v1/me",
      headers=headers
  )

  print(response.json())
  ```
</CodeGroup>

## Response

```json 200 theme={null}
{
  "id": 12345,
  "email": "user@example.com",
  "first_name": "John",
  "last_name": "Doe",
  "is_active": true,
  "date_joined": "2024-01-15T10:30:00Z"
}
```