Easy Tech TutsHow to Get Test API Key & Live Stripe API Keys From Stripe Account 2026 Easily
By Impran M N
Setting up Stripe payments means knowing the difference between your Test and Live API keys, and where to find both without digging through menus. This tutorial walks through logging into your Stripe dashboard, locating the Developers section, and copying your Publishable and Secret keys correctly. By the end you'll know exactly which key to use during development and which to switch to once you go live.
01Log into your Stripe dashboard
Sign in to your Stripe account and head to the main dashboard where your account settings and integration tools live.
02Open the Developers section
Navigate to the Developers area of the dashboard, which is where Stripe keeps both your Test and Live API keys.
03Copy your Test API keys
Grab your Test Publishable and Secret keys for use while you're building and testing your integration before accepting real payments.
04Switch to Live API keys
Once you're ready for production, toggle to Live mode and copy the corresponding Live keys to use in your deployed app.
05Know the difference between Publishable and Secret keys
Understand that Publishable keys are safe for client-side code while Secret keys must stay on your server and never be exposed publicly.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a Publishable key and a Secret key in Stripe?
The Publishable key is meant to be used in client-side code, while the Secret key should only ever be used on your server since it can perform sensitive actions on your account.
Can I use my Test API key on a live website?
No, Test keys only work in Stripe's test mode and won't process real payments - you need to switch to Live keys once you're ready to accept actual transactions.
Is it safe to share my Stripe Secret key?
No, your Secret key should never be shared or committed to public code repositories since it grants access to sensitive account actions.
Where exactly do I find my API keys in the Stripe dashboard?
Both Test and Live API keys live under the Developers section of your Stripe dashboard, where you can view and copy them as needed.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
