Key error diagnosis

DeepSeek | invalid API key

DeepSeek returning 401 / invalid API key should not be judged from the message alone. Cross-check key shape, Base URL, balance, model permission, region/IP, and visible model list.

Provider

DeepSeek

China provider route

Error type

invalid API key

high

Status code

401

invalid-api-key

Sample models

DeepSeek V3 · DeepSeek V3 0324 · DeepSeek V3.1

Error route summary

Error type

invalid-api-key

high

Provider

DeepSeek

Status code

401

Read-only check. Detection data burns after 5 minutes.

What this error usually means

DeepSeek returning 401 / invalid API key should not be judged from the message alone. Cross-check key shape, Base URL, balance, model permission, region/IP, and visible model list.

Provider: DeepSeek
Error type: invalid API key
Status code: 401

How to prove it during checking

Read-only check. Detection data burns after 5 minutes.

Run read-only identity first: confirm whether the key really belongs to DeepSeek, not just a compatible protocol.
Then list models or run a lightweight probe: check whether models like DeepSeek V3 · DeepSeek V3 0324 · DeepSeek V3.1 are visible and return stable evidence.
Finally record 401, error body, latency, egress IP, and reproducibility to separate balance, permission, route, or upstream issues.

Next action

invalid API key should not only show failed. The console should return the next move: refill balance, change Base URL, switch model, add permission, change egress IP, hold listing, or monitor.

Read-only check. Detection data burns after 5 minutes.
China provider route
DeepSeek V3 · DeepSeek V3 0324 · DeepSeek V3.1

Open key checker

Read-only check. Detection data burns after 5 minutes.

Open providers

DeepSeek

Open models

DeepSeek V3 · DeepSeek V3 0324 · DeepSeek V3.1