---
url: /cashfree-acellemail/guides/get-api-keys.md
description: >-
  Copy your Cashfree App ID (x-client-id) and Secret Key (x-client-secret) from
  the Cashfree Merchant Dashboard, and pair TEST or production keys with the
  Sandbox toggle.
---

# Get your API keys

Both Cashfree gateways share one pair of credentials: your **App ID** and **Secret Key**. Copy them from the Cashfree Merchant Dashboard and paste them into Plugin Settings once.

## 1. Open the API Keys page

Log in to the **Cashfree Merchant Dashboard** at [merchant.cashfree.com](https://merchant.cashfree.com) → **Developers → API Keys**. Two credentials appear:

| Credential | Sent as |
| --- | --- |
| **App ID** | `x-client-id` |
| **Secret Key** | `x-client-secret` |

![The Cashfree API Keys page](/cashfree-acellemail/img/cashfree-get-api-keys-dashboard.png)
*Cashfree Dashboard → Developers → API Keys*

## 2. TEST keys vs production keys

Cashfree issues two non-interchangeable sets:

| Key set | Identify by | Use for |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Test keys** | App ID begins with `TEST` | Testing |
| **Production keys** | Live App ID and Secret Key | Real money |

::: info The Sandbox toggle picks the environment, not the key format
The **Sandbox mode** checkbox chooses which environment the plugin talks to — it is not inferred from the key. Always pair them:

* **Test keys** (App ID begins `TEST`) → **Sandbox ticked** (uses `https://sandbox.cashfree.com/pg`).
* **Production keys** → **Sandbox unticked** (live environment).

Mixing them (e.g. production keys with Sandbox ticked) causes an `authentication Failed` error from Cashfree.
:::

## 3. Paste them into AcelleMail

**Admin → Plugins → Cashfree → Settings** → under **Service Configuration**:

1. Enter **App ID (x-client-id)** from the `x-client-id` value.
2. Enter **Secret Key (x-client-secret)** from the `x-client-secret` value.
3. Tick **Sandbox mode** if you pasted TEST keys.
4. **Save Settings.**

That's all both gateways need to authenticate.

## Related pages

* [Configure webhooks](/cashfree-acellemail/guides/configure-webhooks)
* [Set up subscriptions](/cashfree-acellemail/guides/set-up-subscriptions)
* [Going live](/cashfree-acellemail/guides/going-live)
* [Settings reference](/cashfree-acellemail/settings)
* [Configuration](/cashfree-acellemail/configuration)