---
title: "API Key"
description: "Manage Middleware API keys: project Ingestion Keys send telemetry from the agent, APM and RUM, and Public API Keys give access to your data through APIs."
section: "Settings"
breadcrumb: "Settings > API Keys"
canonical: "https://docs.middleware.io/features/accounts/api-key"
---
# API Key

Middleware API Keys authenticate two different operations: sending telemetry to Middleware and accessing Middleware data through APIs. The key type depends on which operation your integration performs.

Middleware provides two types of API keys:

- **Ingestion Key** — Used to send telemetry data to Middleware.
- **Public API Key** — Used to access Middleware data through APIs.

Go to: [Settings → API Keys](https://app.middleware.io/settings/api-keys)

The API Keys page contains separate sections for **Ingestion Keys** and **Public API Keys**.

## Ingestion Key

An **Ingestion Key** is used when instrumenting your applications and infrastructure to send telemetry data to Middleware.

You can use the ingestion key for:

- Middleware Agent installation
- APM instrumentation
- RUM instrumentation
- Other telemetry ingestion

### Project-Specific Ingestion Keys

Each Middleware project has its own ingestion key.

Data sent using a project's ingestion key is associated with that project.

Project-specific ingestion keys keep telemetry data associated with the intended project, such as a production environment or a separate client’s data.

## Public API Key

A Public API Key is used when you need to access data from your Middleware account through an API.

Go to the Public API Key section to create a key and get the access token required for API authentication.

Use this key when integrating an external application or service with Middleware APIs.

## Create a Public API Key

To create a Public API Key:

1. Go to **[Settings → API Keys](https://app.middleware.io/settings/api-keys)**.
2. Open the **[Public API Key](https://app.middleware.io/settings/api-keys?tab=public)** section.
3. Create a new key.
4. Use the generated access token when authenticating API requests.

Keep the access token secure and use it only in applications or services that need API access.

![Public API Key](/images/v3/features/public-api-key.webp)

Need assistance or want to learn more about Middleware? Get in touch with us via our Contact Us page or join our Slack channel.