Why there are 2 keys #
The Loupely system uses 2 different keys for 2 different purposes. They look similar (both are strings of characters), they’re stored in different places, and they do completely different things. Mixing them up is one of the most common setup mistakes, so it’s worth being precise about what each one is for.
The connection key #
What it is: a site-specific authentication token generated by the Loupely WordPress Plugin on your site.
Where to find it: in your WordPress Dashboard, under Loupely > Settings. The connection key is displayed on that page after the plugin is activated.
What it does: it allows the Loupely Chrome extension to authenticate with your WordPress site’s REST API Endpoint and retrieve server-side diagnostic data during a capture. Without it, the extension can’t talk to the plugin on your server.
Where it goes: you paste it into the Loupely Chrome extension popup when you’re setting up the connection between the extension and your site.
Scope: site-specific. Each WordPress installation where you have the plugin installed has its own connection key. If you manage 3 sites, you have 3 connection keys, 1 per site.
When it changes: the connection key can be regenerated from the plugin settings page if you believe it’s been compromised, or if you’re troubleshooting a connection that stopped working. Regenerating it requires re-entering the new key in the Chrome extension.
The License Key #
What it is: an account-level key tied to your Loupely subscription or plan, generated by Loupely’s backend when you purchase a plan.
Where to find it: in your Loupely account dashboard at useloupely.com.
What it does: it activates your plan on a specific WordPress installation. On Loupely Annual, Bundle Annual, and Agency Annual plans, the License Key tells the plugin that this site is covered by your plan, unlocking unlimited diagnoses without credits being deducted.
Where it goes: you enter it in the Loupely plugin settings page in WordPress, in a separate field from where the connection key is displayed.
Scope: account-level, but activation is per-site. Your License Key is the same key regardless of how many sites you use it on (within your plan’s site limits). Agency Annual plan holders can activate the same License Key on unlimited client sites.
When it changes: your License Key doesn’t change unless you request a new one or your plan lapses and you renew. It persists across plan renewals.
The simple rule for remembering which is which #
The connection key comes from WordPress (the plugin generates it) and goes into the Chrome extension. It connects the extension to a specific site.
The License Key comes from your Loupely account (useloupely.com generates it) and goes into WordPress (the plugin settings page). It activates your plan on a site.
WordPress generates the connection key. Loupely generates the License Key. The direction is opposite for each one, which is what trips people up.
Do you need both? #
Not necessarily. The connection key is required for any site where you want server-side diagnostic capture. Without it, the extension runs in browser-only mode. The License Key is only required if you’re on an annual plan that needs to be activated on a site. If you’re using credits rather than an annual plan, you don’t need to enter a License Key anywhere.
For most setups:
- Credits users: you need the connection key only.
- Annual plan users: you need both the connection key (to link the extension to the site) and the License Key (to activate unlimited diagnoses on that site).