> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.theslow.net/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Debugging Common API Errors

> Fix common SlowNet API problems like 401s, 409s, or 500s.

## Overview

Sometimes your API call might fail. This guide shows the most common issues, what they mean, and how to fix them.

## 401 Unauthorized

**Error:**

```json theme={null}
{
  "error": "Unauthorized"
}
```

✅ **Fix:** Make sure your `X-API-KEY` is correct and included in your request headers.

```bash theme={null}
curl -H "X-API-KEY: YOUR_API_KEY" ...
```

If you recently rotated your key, update your `.env` or CI/CD secrets.

## 409 Conflict (example)

If your API ever adds stricter checks (like preventing duplicate display names), you might see:

```json theme={null}
{
  "error": "Display name already taken."
}
```

✅ **Fix:** Choose a different name.

> Right now, SlowNet APIs are pretty forgiving. But as more constraints are added, conflicts may appear.

## 500 Internal Server Error

**Error:**

```json theme={null}
{
  "error": "Could not update site configuration."
}
```

✅ **Fix:** Usually means the SlowNet database had a hiccup, or you sent an incomplete payload. Make sure your JSON is valid and includes all the necessary fields if your endpoint requires them.

## General debugging tips

* Check your JSON payload. Is it valid? Missing a comma?
* Always include your `X-API-KEY`.
* Try sending a simple request first (like just updating mood) to verify your key works.

## Authentication

This endpoint requires an API key. You can retrieve an API key from your [dashboard](https://theslow.net/dashboard). Include it in the `X-API-KEY` header:

```
X-API-KEY: YOUR_API_KEY_HERE
```

For more details, see the [Authentication Guide](https://docs.theslow.net/authentication).

## Related

* [Building your SlowNet page](../building-your-slownet-page)
* [Storing and Rotating API Keys](../storing-and-rotating-api-keys)

## Need Further Assistance?

If you have any questions or encounter issues, please don't hesitate to reach out to our [support team](https://theslow.net/dashboard#support).