What causes "OpenAI API 401 Incorrect API Key Provided"?

Typo or trailing whitespace Key deleted or revoked Key from a different org or project Stale cached environment variable IP not on the allowlist Removed from the organization

How do I fix "OpenAI API 401 Incorrect API Key Provided"?

1. Check the header and variable: Print the key length (not the key) at runtime Remove spaces and newlines Restart the shell or server so new env vars load 2. Create a new key: platform.openai.com > API keys > Create new secret key in the correct project Update your secrets store 3. Check organization and project: Confirm OpenAI-Organization and OpenAI-Project headers if you set them 4. Check IP allowlists: Settings > Security: add your server IP or remove the restriction

OpenAI API 401 Incorrect API Key Provided

Workaround available API Updated November 14, 2026Based on 4 user reportsHow we research

Quick answer

A 401 means the key is wrong, revoked, from another organization or project, or blocked by an IP allowlist. Create a fresh key in the right project and fix your environment variable.

Most likely fix: Check the header and variable

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

1. Check the header and variable
1. Print the key length (not the key) at runtime
2. Remove spaces and newlines
3. Restart the shell or server so new env vars load
Did this fix it?
2. Create a new key
1. platform.openai.com > API keys > Create new secret key in the correct project
2. Update your secrets store
Did this fix it?
3. Check organization and project
1. Confirm OpenAI-Organization and OpenAI-Project headers if you set them
Did this fix it?
4. Check IP allowlists
1. Settings > Security: add your server IP or remove the restriction
Did this fix it?