API Key

When you connect your no-code app to an external service like Stripe for payments, Google Maps for location, or OpenAI for AI features, the service needs to know who is making the request. This is where an API key comes in.

An API key is like a digital password that identifies and authenticates your app when it talks to another system. Without an API key, most services will reject your requests. In no-code platforms, understanding how to use API keys correctly is essential for secure and successful integrations.

In this guide, I’ll explain what an API key is, how it works in no-code, examples of where you’ll need it, and best practices for using it safely.

What is an API Key?

An API key is a unique identifier, usually a long string of letters and numbers, that allows your app to access an external API. It acts as both:

• Authentication – Proves your app has permission to connect.
• Tracking – Monitors usage and enforces limits.

For example:

• Stripe provides an API key to process payments.
• Google Maps gives you an API key to display maps in your app.
• OpenAI issues API keys to use AI models.

In no-code platforms, API keys are usually added in settings or connectors so your app can make secure calls to these services.

How API Keys Work in No-code Platforms

Here’s how API keys typically work in no-code tools:

1. Get the key – Sign up for the external service (e.g., Stripe) and generate an API key.
2. Add the key to your no-code app – Paste it into the platform’s API connector or authentication field.
3. Make a request – When your app sends a request, the API key is included in the header.
4. Verify – The external service checks the key, and if valid, processes the request.
5. Response – Your app receives the data or action result.

Example in Bubble: Use the API Connector plugin and include the API key in the request header.
Example in FlutterFlow: Add API keys in the REST API configuration.
Example in Zapier, Make, or n8n: Enter the key when connecting to an external service.

Benefits of Using API Keys in No-code

API keys provide both security and control when working with integrations.

Key benefits include:

• Authentication – Ensures only approved apps can access the API.
• Security – Protects external services from unauthorized access.
• Usage tracking – Monitors how often your app calls the API.
• Rate limits – Prevents overuse by restricting the number of requests.
• Easy setup – No need for complex authentication for many services.

This makes API keys the most common way to connect no-code apps with external systems.

Examples of API Key Usage in No-code Apps

API keys are everywhere in modern apps. Here are some examples:

• E-commerce – Use a Stripe API key to process payments.
• Location apps – Use a Google Maps API key for maps and geolocation.
• AI tools – Use an OpenAI API key for chatbots and content generation.
• Email automation – Use a SendGrid API key to send transactional emails.
• Analytics – Use a Firebase or Supabase API key to track user activity.

Each of these examples shows how critical API keys are for no-code integrations.

API Key vs OAuth in No-code

It’s important to understand the difference between an API key and OAuth:

• API Key – A simple string used for authentication. Best for server-to-server or app-to-service communication.
• OAuth – A more advanced method where users log in through services like Google or Facebook. Best for user-specific authentication.

In no-code, you’ll mostly use API keys for external integrations, while OAuth is used for user logins.

API Keys in Popular No-code Platforms

Here’s how different platforms handle API keys:

• Bubble – API keys are added in the API Connector or app settings.
• Glide – Uses Make, Zapier, or n8n to pass API keys when connecting to external APIs.
• FlutterFlow – API keys are included in REST API configuration or Firebase integration.
• Webflow – API keys are used in custom scripts or with tools like Make.
• Zapier – Prompts for an API key when connecting to external apps.
• Make – Requires API keys in scenario modules for secure connections.
• n8n – Lets you securely store and use API keys in node credentials.

This makes it easy for non-developers to work with secure integrations.

Best Practices for Using API Keys in No-code

To use API keys effectively and safely, follow these best practices:

• Keep keys secret – Never share your keys publicly.
• Use environment variables – Store keys in platform settings, not inside workflows.
• Regenerate keys if exposed – Replace them immediately if leaked.
• Set limits – Use API dashboards to restrict usage and IPs.
• Separate test and live keys – Always use test keys for development.
• Monitor usage – Check API logs for unusual activity.

These steps keep your integrations secure and reliable.

Conclusion

An API key in no-code is a simple but powerful tool that allows your app to securely connect with external services. It acts as a digital password, authenticating your app and tracking usage.

Whether you’re integrating Stripe in Bubble, using APIs in FlutterFlow, or connecting services in Make, Zapier, or n8n, API keys are the foundation of secure integrations.

If you want to build scalable no-code apps, learning how to manage API keys is essential.