# 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 |
|----------|--------|
| "Why do I need to sign in again?" | Anthropic runs two separate services: Claude (claude.ai) for the product, and the Console (platform.claude.com) for the API. They share the same credentials — same email, password, or Google account — but they have independent sessions and independent billing. The sign-in you did earlier authenticated you with Claude; this step authenticates you with the Console so we can create an API key. You can have one without the other, but there is no issue using the same account for both. |
| "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). |
