Setup API Keyby ElevenLabs

Guides users through the process of setting up an ElevenLabs API key for use with ElevenLabs MCP tools. Use when the user needs to configure an ElevenLabs API key, when ElevenLabs tools fail due to missing API key, or when the user mentions needing access to ElevenLabs.

npx skills add https://github.com/elevenlabs/skills --skill setup-api-key

ElevenLabs API Key Setup

Guide the user through obtaining and configuring an ElevenLabs API key.

Workflow

Step 0: Check for an existing API key first

Before asking the user for a key, check for an existing ELEVENLABS_API_KEY:

  1. Check whether ELEVENLABS_API_KEY exists in the current environment.
  2. If it's not in the environment, check .env for ELEVENLABS_API_KEY=<value>.
  3. If an existing key is found, validate it:
    GET https://api.elevenlabs.io/v1/user
    Header: xi-api-key: <existing-api-key>
    
  4. If existing key validation succeeds:
    • Tell the user ElevenLabs is already configured and working
    • Skip the setup flow
    • Ask whether they want to replace/rotate the key; if not, stop
  5. If existing key validation fails:
    • Tell the user the existing key appears invalid or expired
    • Continue to Step 1

Step 1: Request the API key

Tell the user:

To set up ElevenLabs, open the API keys page: https://elevenlabs.io/app/settings/api-keys

(Need an account? Create one at https://elevenlabs.io/app/sign-up first)

If you don't have an API key yet:

  1. Click "Create key"
  2. Name it (or use the default)
  3. Set permission for your key. If you provide a key with "User" permission set to "Read" this skill will automatically verify if your key works
  4. Click "Create key" to confirm
  5. Copy the key immediately - it's only shown once!

Paste your API key here when ready.

Then wait for the user's next message which should contain the API key.

Step 2: Validate and configure

Once the user provides the API key:

  1. Validate the key by making a request:

    GET https://api.elevenlabs.io/v1/user
    Header: xi-api-key: <the-api-key>
    
  2. If validation fails:

  3. If validation succeeds, save the API key in a .env file:

    ELEVENLABS_API_KEY=<the-api-key>
    
    • If .env already has ELEVENLABS_API_KEY=..., replace that line
    • Otherwise add a new line for ELEVENLABS_API_KEY
  4. Confirm success:

    Done! Your key is stored as an environment variable in .env Keep the key safe! Don't share it with anyone!