What is a Kimi API Key?
Format
A Kimi API key is a unique authentication token (e.g., sk-xxxxxxxxxxxxx) that identifies your account and authorizes API requests.
Authentication
Include your API key in the Authorization header as 'Bearer YOUR_API_KEY' for all requests to kimi-api.com/v1 endpoints.
Billing
API usage is tracked by your key and billed at ¥8/million tokens (40% of official Moonshot API pricing). Pay-as-you-go with no subscriptions.
Security
Treat your Kimi API key like a password. Never expose it in client-side code, public repositories, or share it publicly.
How to Get Your Kimi API Key
Submit Your Email
Fill out the contact form on kimi-api.com homepage with your email address and use case.
Receive Confirmation
Our team will contact you within 72 hours to verify your request and discuss usage requirements.
Get API Key
Receive your unique Kimi API key via email, along with setup instructions and billing information.
Set Environment Variable
Store your API key securely in environment variables: export KIMI_API_KEY='sk-xxxxx'
Test Connection
Make a test API call to verify your key works correctly with Kimi K2.5 or moonshot-v1 models.
Start Building
Integrate Kimi API into your application using OpenAI SDK with base_url='https://kimi-api.com/v1'.
Using Kimi API Key with Proxy
Official Endpoint
https://api.moonshot.cn/v1Official Moonshot API endpoint requires Chinese phone verification and charges ¥20/million tokens.
Proxy Endpoint
https://kimi-api.com/v1Our proxy endpoint uses the same API format but costs only ¥8/million tokens (40% savings) with no verification hassle.
Kimi API Key Best Practices
DO
- +Store API keys in environment variables, never hardcode in source code
- +Use separate keys for development, staging, and production environments
- +Rotate API keys periodically (every 90 days) to minimize security risks
- +Monitor usage and set up billing alerts to prevent unexpected charges
DON'T
- -Don't commit API keys to Git repositories or share on GitHub, GitLab
- -Don't expose keys in client-side JavaScript or mobile app code
- -Don't share API keys via email, Slack, or other insecure channels
- -Don't use the same key across multiple projects or teams
Common Kimi API Key Issues
401 Unauthorized - Invalid API Key
Cause: API key is incorrect, expired, or malformed
Fix: Verify key format (starts with sk-), check for typos, ensure no whitespace, contact support for reissue
429 Too Many Requests - Rate Limit
Cause: Exceeded rate limit (default: 60 requests/minute)
Fix: Implement exponential backoff, reduce request frequency, contact us for higher rate limits
402 Payment Required - Insufficient Credits
Cause: Account balance depleted, no payment method on file
Fix: Top up account balance, add payment method, check billing dashboard for usage
Connection Timeout
Cause: Network issues, firewall blocking kimi-api.com, slow connection
Fix: Check internet connection, verify firewall allows HTTPS to kimi-api.com, increase timeout to 60s
API Key Accidentally Exposed
Cause: Key committed to public repository or shared publicly
Fix: Immediately contact support to revoke key, request new key, use git-secrets or pre-commit hooks to prevent future leaks
Related Resources
Kimi K2.5 API Guide
Learn about Moonshot AI's latest model with 200K context
API Documentation
Complete API reference for authentication and endpoints
Pricing
Transparent Kimi API pricing at 40% of official rates
Kimi Code
Integrate API key into IDE for code generation
Kimi CLI
Use API key with command-line tool
Coding Plan
Compare API key usage with subscription plans