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title: "Find or replace your license / API key"
description: "Where to create the wm_ key requested by the desktop app or API, which plans include one, and what to do if the full key is no longer visible."
---
World Monitor calls this value a **license key** in some desktop screens and an **API key** elsewhere. They refer to the same user-created value, which starts with `wm_`.
<Info>
Checkout does not create a reusable key for you. **API Starter and API Business** subscribers create their own keys after signing in. **Dashboard Pro and Pro Business do not include manual API keys**; those subscribers can use the signed-in web dashboard and connect supported MCP clients with OAuth instead.
</Info>
## Create a key
1. Open the [World Monitor dashboard](https://worldmonitor.app/dashboard) and sign in with the account that owns the API subscription.
2. Select **Settings** in the top-right corner.
3. Open the **API Keys** tab.
4. Enter a name such as `desktop` or `my-app`, then select **Create Key**.
5. Copy the complete `wm_...` value immediately and store it in a password manager or secret manager.
The full key is shown only once. World Monitor stores a one-way hash, not the plaintext key.
## If you can see only the prefix
The API Keys tab lists a short prefix so you can identify each key, but it cannot reveal the complete value again.
1. Revoke the key whose full value you lost.
2. Create a replacement.
3. Update every app or script that used the old key.
Revocation is permanent. Applications using the old key will stop working.
## Use the key in the desktop app
In the World Monitor desktop app, open **Settings → Overview**, paste the complete value into **License / API Key**, then select **Save & Close**.
For API requests, send the same value in the `X-WorldMonitor-Key` header. See the [API quickstart](/usage-quickstart) for examples.
## If the API Keys tab asks you to upgrade
Manual keys require an active **API Starter** or **API Business** subscription. A Dashboard Pro or Pro Business subscription unlocks dashboard and MCP features, but it does not include manual API-key creation.
If you already bought an API plan, confirm that you signed in with the account that owns the subscription. If the plan is still not recognized, email [support@worldmonitor.app](mailto:support@worldmonitor.app) from the purchase email address. Include the plan name and, if available, only the short key prefix—**never send a complete key**.
## Related
- [Accounts & Sign-up](/accounts)
- [Plans & Pricing](/pricing)
- [Authentication & Usage](/usage-auth)
- [Support & Contact](/support)
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