Why isn't RapidAPI recognizing my API key in the headers?

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1

I’m having trouble with my Angular Node.js app. I’m trying to use the Google Translate API through RapidAPI, but it’s not working as expected. Here’s my code:

async translateText(text) {
  const apiKey = 'mySecretKey123';

  try {
    const response = await axios({
      method: 'POST',
      url: 'https://some-translate-api.example.com/v2/translate',
      headers: {
        'Content-Type': 'application/json',
        'X-API-Host': 'some-translate-api.example.com',
        'X-API-Key': apiKey
      },
      data: {
        from: 'english',
        text: text,
        to: 'russian'
      }
    });

    console.log(response.data);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Translation failed:', error);
  }
}

When I run this, I get a 502 Bad Gateway error. If I open the failed request in a new tab, it says the API key is missing. But I can see the key in my request headers! The API works fine when I test it directly on the RapidAPI website. Any ideas why it’s not recognizing my key?

2

hey there! i had a similar issue. make sure ur using the right header names for rapidapi. it should be ‘X-RapidAPI-Key’ instead of ‘X-API-Key’. also, double check ur endpoint URL. sometimes its easy to miss a typo there. if that doesnt help, try testing the API in postman to see if its a code problem or API access issue. good luck!

3

I’ve encountered a similar issue before, and it turned out to be related to how RapidAPI expects the API key to be sent. Instead of using ‘X-API-Key’, try changing your header to ‘X-RapidAPI-Key’. Also, make sure you’re including the ‘X-RapidAPI-Host’ header with the correct host value for the specific API you’re using.

Here’s what your headers should look like:

headers: {
  'Content-Type': 'application/json',
  'X-RapidAPI-Key': apiKey,
  'X-RapidAPI-Host': 'some-translate-api.example.com'
}

If that doesn’t solve it, double-check that your API key is correct and that you have an active subscription for this specific API on RapidAPI. Sometimes, even if the key is valid, you might not have access to a particular API.

Lastly, ensure you’re using the correct endpoint URL. The one in your code looks like a placeholder, so make sure it matches the exact URL provided in the RapidAPI documentation for the Google Translate API.

4

I’ve run into this exact problem before. The issue is likely with how you’re passing the API key. RapidAPI requires specific header names. Try changing ‘X-API-Key’ to ‘X-RapidAPI-Key’ and ‘X-API-Host’ to ‘X-RapidAPI-Host’. Also, double-check the API endpoint URL - it should be the exact one provided by RapidAPI, not a generic placeholder.

If that doesn’t work, verify your subscription status on RapidAPI. Sometimes, even with a valid key, you might not have access to a particular API. It’s also worth trying the request in Postman or cURL to isolate if it’s a code issue or an API access problem.

Lastly, ensure you’re not accidentally exposing your API key in client-side code. It’s best to keep it server-side to prevent unauthorized usage.