These errors are only for the v2 API, which is not yet GA.

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Introduction

Unkey’s error system uses a structured approach to organize and identify errors across the platform. This system makes it easier to understand, debug, and handle errors consistently.

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Error Code Format

All Unkey error codes follow a consistent URN-like format: 
err:system:category:specific
For example: err:unkey:authentication:missing This format breaks down as follows:
  • err: Standard prefix for all error codes
  • system: The service area or responsibility domain (e.g., unkey, user)
  • category: The error type or classification (e.g., authentication, data)
  • specific: The exact error condition (e.g., missing, malformed)

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Systems

The “system” component identifies where the error originated:
  • unkey: Errors originating from Unkey’s internal systems
  • github: Errors related to GitHub integration
  • aws: Errors related to AWS integration

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Categories

The “category” component provides a second level of classification, for example:
  • authentication: Errors related to the authentication process
  • authorization: Errors related to permissions and access control
  • application: Errors related to application operations and system integrity
  • data: Errors related to data operations and resources
  • limits: Rate limiting or quota-related errors

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Error Response Format

When an error occurs, the API returns a consistent JSON response format: 
{
  "meta": {
    "requestId": "req_2c9a0jf23l4k567"
  },
  "error": {
    "detail": "Authentication credentials were not provided",
    "status": 401,
    "title": "Unauthorized",
    "type": "https://unkey.com/docs/api-reference/errors-v2/unkey/authentication/missing"
  }
}
Key fields:
  • requestId: Unique identifier for the request (important for support)
  • detail: Human-readable explanation of the error
  • status: HTTP status code
  • title: Short summary of the error type
  • type: URL to detailed documentation about this error

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Documentation Integration

All error codes have a corresponding documentation page accessible via the type URL in the error response. These pages provide detailed information about:
  • What caused the error
  • How to fix the issue
  • Common mistakes that lead to this error
  • Related errors you might encounter