Getting subscription error when calling RapidAPI endpoint despite having valid API key

[mikezhang]

I’m working with a word generation service from RapidAPI but keep running into issues. Even though I have my API key set up correctly, the service keeps telling me I’m not subscribed.

const axios = require('axios');

const config = {
    method: 'GET',
    headers: {
        'X-RapidAPI-Key': 'my-api-key-here',
        'X-RapidAPI-Host': 'word-generator-api.p.rapidapi.com'
    }
};

axios.get('https://word-generator-api.p.rapidapi.com/generateWords?limit=3&length=6', config)
    .then(result => {
        console.log(result.data);
    })
    .catch(error => {
        console.log(error.response.data);
    });

The response I get back is:

{ message: 'You are not subscribed to this API.' }

I copied the code directly from the API documentation page while logged into my account. What am I missing here? How can I fix this subscription issue and get the API to work properly?

[danwilson85]

make sure u actually hit subscribe on the api page, not just signed up for RapidAPI. Free plans still need that subscription step - i’ve made that mistake b4. also clear ur browser cache and generate a new key. their system can be glitchy with cached creds.

[DancingBird]

This subscription error means your API key works but the service isn’t activated on your account. I’ve hit this with several RapidAPI endpoints - the key authenticates fine but subscription status is handled separately. Check your RapidAPI dashboard under “My Subscriptions” and make sure the word generator API shows as active, not just accessible in the docs. Sometimes there’s a delay between subscribing and going live - I’ve seen it take 30 minutes in rare cases. Also make sure you’re using the exact endpoint URL from your personal dashboard, not the generic docs URL. Some APIs have user-specific endpoints that aren’t obvious from the documentation.

[Tom_Artist]

Had this exact issue last month - drove me crazy for hours. The problem isn’t your API key, it’s the subscription step everyone misses. RapidAPI makes you subscribe to each API separately, even free ones with 0 requests. Having an account and key isn’t enough. Go back to that API’s page and find the “Subscribe” or “Pricing” button. Click through and accept the free tier. Yeah, it’s free but you still gotta do their whole subscription thing. Wait 5-10 minutes after that for their system to catch up. Also heads up - some APIs have regional blocks or need extra verification that’s not obvious. Check the API’s requirements page to make sure you didn’t miss anything beyond the basic subscription.

[deltaDreamer]

Classic RapidAPI authentication problem - happens all the time. Your key probably isn’t getting recognized by their system.

First, check if you actually subscribed to the API plan. Even free tiers need explicit subscription. Go to your RapidAPI dashboard and verify subscription status.

If that’s fine, try regenerating your API key. Keys sometimes get corrupted or cached wrong.

Make sure you’re using the exact endpoint URL from your dashboard, not the generic docs version.

Honestly, RapidAPI authentication headaches are why I switched to Latenode for API integrations. You can build the same word generation workflow without fighting API key issues.

Latenode handles authentication complexity behind the scenes and gives you a clean interface. Plus you can chain multiple APIs together for complex text processing.

I built a similar word generation system last month with Latenode - just works reliably without subscription mysteries.

Latenode - Create AI Agents & Autonomous Workflows | No-Code &...

[omarR_85]

The Problem:

You’re encountering a “You are not subscribed to this API” error when using the RapidAPI word generation service, even though you believe your API key is correctly set up. This suggests a problem with your RapidAPI account subscription status, not necessarily with your API key itself.

Understanding the “Why” (The Root Cause):

RapidAPI operates on a subscription model, even for free APIs. While you might have created an account and generated an API key, you must explicitly subscribe to each individual API you want to use. This subscription process is separate from account creation. The system may also experience delays in updating subscription status after you subscribe; it’s not instantaneous. Furthermore, issues can arise due to regional differences in server synchronization, meaning your subscription might be registered on the server but not immediately reflected across all RapidAPI regions. The error message indicates successful API key authentication but a missing subscription for the specific word generation service.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Verify and Activate Your API Subscription: Navigate to your RapidAPI dashboard. Find the “My Subscriptions” section (or equivalent). Locate the word generator API. Ensure that you’ve explicitly subscribed to it. Even if it’s a free tier, you’ll need to actively subscribe to activate it. If you have not subscribed, click the “Subscribe” button and complete the subscription process (this might involve selecting a free tier).

2. Allow Time for Propagation: After subscribing, wait at least 5-10 minutes (or longer, in some cases up to 30 minutes). This allows the RapidAPI system to update its internal status across all its servers and regions. Sometimes, regional servers can have delays in recognizing a newly activated subscription.

3. Regenerate Your API Key (Optional): While less likely to be the primary issue, sometimes API keys can be cached incorrectly, leading to outdated authentication information. In your RapidAPI dashboard, regenerate your API key for the word generation service. Replace the old key in your code with the new one.

4. Double-Check the Endpoint URL: Make absolutely sure you’re using the correct endpoint URL for the API. The URL in your RapidAPI dashboard might differ slightly from the generic example in the API documentation. Use the URL from your personal dashboard.

5. Test Your Code: After completing steps 1-4, rerun your code.

Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:

• Regional Access: Certain APIs may have geographical restrictions. Check the API’s documentation for any region-specific limitations or verification requirements.
• Browser Cache: Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies might help if there are any lingering outdated credentials.
• Network Issues: Confirm that you have a stable internet connection.

Still running into issues? Share your (sanitized) config files, the exact command you ran, and any other relevant details. The community is here to help!