API keys

Create a scoped API key in the portal and authenticate your own requests with a Bearer token.

When you want to talk to Telescope from your own code — manage monitors, read check history, or push telemetry — you authenticate with an API key created in the portal.

Create a key

Open API keys in the portal

In your Telescope portal, go to the API Keys section for your team and choose Create Key.

Give the key a descriptive name, then select the permissions (scopes) it needs. Scopes are granted per resource — monitors, alerts, status pages, and notifications — each with read and write options. Grant only what the key actually needs.

Copy the key

The full key is shown once, at creation time. Copy it and store it somewhere secure — you won't be able to see it again, only revoke it and create a new one.

Authenticate requests

Pass the key in the Authorization header as a Bearer token:

curl https://api.telescopealerts.com/api/monitors \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"

Keep keys server-side

An API key carries the permissions you granted it. Keep it in your backend or secrets manager, never in client-side code or a public repo. If a key is exposed, revoke it in the portal — that takes effect immediately.

Full API reference

For the base URL, every endpoint, and request/response details, see the API reference.