Two keys, two different purposes #
The Loupely WordPress Plugin uses 2 different keys. They look similar (both are long strings of characters), they live in different places, and they do completely different things. Confusing them is the single most common setup error.
The connection key #
The connection key is generated by the WordPress Plugin and entered into the Chrome extension. It authenticates the Chrome extension to your WordPress site, allowing the extension to request server-side diagnostic data from the plugin’s REST API endpoint.
Think of it as a door key: it lets the extension through the door to your site’s diagnostic data. It’s site-specific: each WordPress installation generates its own connection key. If you have 3 sites, you have 3 connection keys. Where it lives: generated in your WordPress Admin under the Loupely plugin settings page. Where it goes: entered in the Chrome extension settings when you set up a new site.
The License Key #
The License Key comes from your Loupely account at useloupely.com and is entered into the WordPress Plugin. It activates your plan coverage on a specific site, so diagnoses on that site don’t consume per-credit charges.
Think of it as a subscription card: it tells the plugin that this site is covered under your paid plan. It’s account-level: you get one License Key per plan, and you enter it on each site you want covered. Free accounts and credit-only users don’t have a License Key. Where it comes from: your account dashboard at useloupely.com. Where it goes: the Loupely plugin settings page in your WordPress Admin.
The direction of flow #
Connection key: WordPress Plugin generates it, Chrome extension receives it. Data flows from your server to the extension. License Key: your Loupely account generates it, WordPress Plugin receives it. Plan coverage flows from your account to your server.
If the extension shows “not connected” after setup, the connection key is usually the issue. If diagnoses are consuming credits when you expect them to be covered by a plan, the License Key is missing or incorrect. See The Two Keys: Connection Key vs. License Key for the setup steps.