How to Debug Invalid API Key Errors

Confirm the header name first

NovaDataHub expects the API key in the x-api-key header. A valid key placed in the wrong header will still behave like an auth failure.

curl -i -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://novadatahub.com/api/public/ping"

Verify the key belongs to the correct service

Different services use separate keys. A valid SERP key should not be assumed to work for Play Store, cricket, or FX endpoints unless that service is enabled and the matching key is used.

Check environment and secret sources

A common production issue is that a staging key, empty environment variable, or outdated secret provider value gets deployed accidentally. Log whether a key exists, but never log the full secret itself.

Compare working curl against application code

If curl works but your application does not, the problem is usually in request construction. Compare exact headers, endpoint paths, and environment values until the mismatch becomes obvious.

Treat invalid-key and forbidden states differently

Authentication failures should not be merged with quota or plan errors. Keep these signals separate in logs and dashboards so operator action is clearer.