> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://ahasend.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Authentication

> Manage API credentials and authentication profiles

# Authentication

The AhaSend CLI uses profile-based authentication to manage your API credentials and support multiple environments.

## Getting Started

You'll need your API Key and Account ID from the [AhaSend dashboard](https://dash.ahasend.com).

### Interactive Login

```bash theme={null}
ahasend auth login
```

You'll be prompted for your API Key, Account ID, and an optional profile name.

### Direct Login

```bash theme={null}
ahasend auth login \
  --api-key YOUR_API_KEY \
  --account-id YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID \
  --profile production
```

### Environment Variables

For automation or CI/CD:

```bash theme={null}
export AHASEND_API_KEY="your-api-key"
export AHASEND_ACCOUNT_ID="your-account-id"
```

## Profiles

Profiles let you manage multiple environments easily.

### Creating Profiles

```bash theme={null}
ahasend auth login --profile production
ahasend auth login --profile staging
```

### Switching Profiles

```bash theme={null}
# Change default profile
ahasend auth switch production

# Use profile for single command
ahasend messages send --profile staging \
  --from test@staging.example.com \
  --to dev@example.com \
  --subject "Test"
```

### Check Status

```bash theme={null}
ahasend auth status
```

### Remove Profile

```bash theme={null}
ahasend auth logout
```

## Configuration

Credentials are stored in `~/.ahasend/config.yaml` with secure file permissions.

<Warning>
  Keep your API keys secure. Never commit credentials to version control.
</Warning>

## Testing Authentication

Verify your setup:

```bash theme={null}
ahasend ping
ahasend auth status
```

## Next Steps

* [Send your first email](/cli/quickstart)
* [Manage domains](/cli/commands/domains)
* [Configure webhooks](/cli/commands/webhooks)