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

# Authentication Error

> Invalid or missing API key

**HTTP Status:** 401

```json theme={null}
{
  "code": "authentication_error",
  "message": "Invalid or missing API key",
  "details": "Check your 'x-api-key' header",
  "request_id": "req_abc123"
}
```

## Reasons and How to Fix

### Missing API Key Header

The most common cause is forgetting to include the `x-api-key` header in your request.

```bash theme={null}
# ❌ Wrong - missing header
curl -X POST https://api.poof.bg/v1/remove -F "image_file=@photo.jpg"

# ✅ Correct
curl -X POST https://api.poof.bg/v1/remove \
  -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -F "image_file=@photo.jpg"
```

### Invalid API Key

Your API key may be incorrect or malformed. API keys start with `pk_` for production keys.

**To fix:**

1. Go to [dash.poof.bg](https://dash.poof.bg) and copy your API key
2. Ensure you're using the full key without extra spaces
3. Check that you haven't accidentally included quotes around the key

### Expired or Revoked Key

If your key was recently regenerated or revoked, old keys will no longer work.

**To fix:**

1. Log into [dash.poof.bg](https://dash.poof.bg)
2. Generate a new API key if needed
3. Update your application with the new key

## Need Help?

If you continue to face issues, contact us at [support@poof.bg](mailto:support@poof.bg) with your `request_id`.