Own API key

If you have your own subscription with access to the link metrics API, you can connect your own key and get checks 50% cheaper. It is managed on the API connection page (user menu in the header), in the "Ahrefs API" card.

How to connect

1. On the API connection page, in the "Ahrefs API" card, click "Request access" — the request goes to the administrator, and you will be notified of the decision. While it is under review, the card header shows "Request sent".
2. Once approved, the "Your Ahrefs API key" field appears — paste the key from your subscription and click "Save key". The key is validated with a request to the API (no units are spent on this) and stored encrypted.
3. Turn on the "Use my Ahrefs key (−50% on checks)" toggle. The card header will show "Own Ahrefs key"; when the toggle is off, it shows "Service key".

Good to know

• The discount applies to all checks except the "Domain history" section.
• The own-key discount replaces personal discounts on checks: while your own Ahrefs key is enabled, this discount is the one applied (to "Domain selection", "Site DR" and "Link check"). If your personal discount was larger, it no longer applies while you use your own key.
• Right after saving the key, the "Ahrefs plan: … · units: used/limit" row appears next to the date the key was added — this is one-time information from the key validation: it is not shown again after the page is reloaded.
• While paid tasks are active, you cannot switch the toggle or delete the key.
• Turning the toggle off returns checks to the service key at the regular price; deleting the key does the same.