Easy Tech TutsHow to Get Stripe API Keys Easily, Get Live & Test Key 2026
By Impran M N
Whether you're building an e-commerce store, SaaS product, or subscription platform, you'll need your Stripe API keys to connect your application. This guide covers where to find your secret and publishable keys, the difference between test and live mode, and how to keep them secure.
01Log into your Stripe dashboard
Access your Stripe account and navigate to the developer or API keys section.
02Locate your secret and publishable keys
Find both key types listed in your dashboard, each serving a different role in your integration.
03Understand test vs live mode
Toggle between test and live mode to see the different key sets — test keys are for development, live keys are for real transactions.
04Copy keys for your application
Copy the appropriate key into your website or application code, using test keys during development.
05Follow key security best practices
Never expose your secret key publicly, and rotate your keys immediately if you suspect they've been exposed.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the secret key and publishable key?
The publishable key is safe to use in client-side code, while the secret key should only be used on your server and kept private.
Can I use test keys to process real payments?
No, test keys only work in Stripe's sandbox environment and cannot process actual customer payments.
What should I do if my secret key is exposed?
Immediately roll or regenerate the key in your Stripe dashboard and update your application with the new key.
Do I need to activate my account to get live keys?
Yes, you'll typically need to complete Stripe's account verification process before live mode keys become fully usable for real transactions.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
