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

# Authentication

> How to authenticate with the HoopAI API using a Private Integration key.

All HoopAI API requests authenticate with a **Private Integration key** — a scoped API token tied to your account.

## Required headers

Every request needs two headers:

| Header          | Value                 | Required                |
| --------------- | --------------------- | ----------------------- |
| `Authorization` | `Bearer YOUR_API_KEY` | Always                  |
| `Version`       | `2021-07-28`          | Always                  |
| `Content-Type`  | `application/json`    | POST / PUT / PATCH only |

```bash theme={null}
curl https://services.leadconnectorhq.com/contacts/ \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Version: 2021-07-28"
```

## Get your API key

You generate your API key in **Settings > Integrations > Private Integrations** in your HoopAI dashboard.

<Card title="Step-by-step: Create an API key" icon="key" href="/developer/getting-started/api-keys">
  Create a Private Integration key in under 2 minutes
</Card>

## Get your Location ID

Your Location ID scopes requests to your account. Find it at **Settings > Business Profile** — it's displayed at the top of the page.

<Card title="Find your Location ID" icon="location-dot" href="/developer/getting-started/location-id">
  Where to find your Location ID
</Card>

## Security best practices

* Never commit your API key to version control — use environment variables
* Create separate keys for development and production
* Rotate keys immediately if you suspect exposure
* Select only the scopes your integration needs

## Verifying webhook signatures

When HoopAI sends webhooks to your server, always verify the request came from HoopAI before processing it. See [Webhook Signatures](/api-reference/oauth/webhook-authentication) for details.

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="First request" icon="terminal" href="/developer/getting-started/first-request">
    Make your first API call
  </Card>

  <Card title="Making requests" icon="code" href="/developer/guide/making-requests">
    Pagination, filtering, error handling
  </Card>
</CardGroup>