# Anthropic / Claude — Setup Guide

Reference for API key troubleshooting, manual key entry, and common questions. For the automated browser-guided flow, use the `skills/get-api-key/SKILL.md` skill instead of this reference.

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## Manual key entry

If the automated browser flow is unavailable or the user already has a key:

1. Verify format: starts with `sk-ant-`, at least 90 characters
2. Store via `api-key-store` tool: `api-key-store({ apiKey: "<the key>" })`
3. Confirm: "API key stored. Takes effect immediately."

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## Troubleshooting

| Problem | Solution |
|---------|----------|
| API key rejected | Verify it starts with `sk-ant-`. Check that billing is set up on platform.claude.com — keys don't work without an active billing method. |
| Key created on zero-balance account | Keys created before credits are loaded are permanently rejected. Create a new key after adding credits. |
| "Which provider should I pick?" | Anthropic / Claude is the right choice. It powers all of the public agent's conversations and reasoning. |
| Browser automation failed | Tell the user to get a key from platform.claude.com/settings/keys in their own browser, then paste it in the chat. |

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## Common questions

| Question | Answer |
|----------|--------|
| "How much does the API cost?" | Anthropic charges per API call. For small business use, typical costs are a few dollars per month. See anthropic.com/pricing for current rates. |
| "Do I need to restart after adding a key?" | No — the API key is applied immediately. |
| "Can I rotate my key?" | Yes — run the `get-api-key` skill again or paste a new key. The old key is overwritten. |
| "What if my key stops working?" | Check that billing is still active on platform.claude.com. If the account ran out of credits, add more and the existing key should resume working (unless it was created on a zero-balance account). |
