If you are using WordPress then you know that some plugins require an “API key” and I know a lot of new WordPress users have no idea what this or even where to find it.
The most popular plugin that use the WordPress API key is “Akistemet” which is an incredibly useful plugin that helps fight spam comments and pingbacks on your WordPress blog. It comes already uploaded to your plugin folder when you install WordPress and to use it you just need to activate it and enter in your WordPress API Key.
Your API key is actually provided through a wordpress.com website – to receive an unique API Key you simply need to create an account at wordpress.com.
Please note that this account on wordpress.com is NOT the same as a self hosted WordPress blog. If you have a self hosted WordPress blog you do not want to make any posts or create new pages here. You will just need to use this account on WordPress.com to receive your API Key.
Once you have an account and are logged in you will want to go to the following place to retrieve your API Key:
Your WP.com Dashboard ==> Click on Your Name ==> There you should find your WordPress API Key.
Next just copy the API Key and add it as needed in your self hosted WP dashboard.
Please keep in mind that you should NEVER ever share this with anyone!
