# API keys and MCP connection from watsi

> Create an API key in watsi to connect your systems or your AI assistant (Claude, Cursor) to your workspace. Where it's created, who can do it and which permissions it has.

Source: https://docs.watsi.ai/en/team/api-keys-and-mcp

An **API key** lets another system — your CRM, a lead-capture form or an AI assistant like Claude or Cursor — read or write in your watsi workspace. You create it under **Settings → Developer** (the **API Keys** page), choose its permissions, and it's shown **only once**. With that same key you can connect your AI assistant to the watsi MCP server.

> **Note**
> By default only owners and admins can create and revoke keys.

## Create a key

### Open API Keys
    In workspace settings, go to the **Developer** tab and click **Create API Key**.
### Name it and pick permissions
    Type the **Key Name** (for example, "Production App") and check the **Permissions**. Read
    permissions come checked; write permissions (create contacts, receive inbound leads) you turn on
    yourself. For an AI assistant you can use the **Read-only MCP key** preset.
### Copy the key
    In **API Key Created**, click **Copy Key** and store it somewhere safe. You won't see it again.

> **Warning**
  A key reads the whole workspace with the visibility of the member who created it. "Read-only"
  refers to the allowed operations, not to the data it can reach.

In the key list you see the prefix, name, permissions, creation date, last use and whether it's **Active** or **Revoked**. **Revoking** a key can't be undone.

## Connect your AI assistant over MCP

> **Beta**
> The watsi MCP server is in beta.

When you create a key, the same window shows **Connect over MCP**: the **Endpoint URL** and the **Client config** ready to paste into Claude Desktop or Cursor (**Copy config**). The full guide, including OAuth sign-in for Claude.ai and ChatGPT, is in [MCP server](/mcp).

## For developers

- [Authentication](/guides/authentication)
    How to use the key in API calls, and its scopes.
- [MCP server](/mcp)
    Connect Claude, ChatGPT or Cursor to your workspace.