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

# Countdown API - How do I link my account?

## Overview

To authenticate with Countdown API, you need:

1. **API Key** — the API key of your Countdown API account.

This guide will show you how to get it.

### Prerequisites

* A Countdown API account. You can [sign up](https://app.countdownapi.com/signup) for free: the free trial gives you 100 requests and no credit card is required.

### Step 1: Copy your API key

1. Log in to the [Countdown API dashboard](https://app.countdownapi.com/). You land on the **API Playground**.
2. Your **API Key** is shown at the top right of every dashboard page. Click the copy icon next to it.

![Countdown API Playground with the copy icon next to the API Key at the top right highlighted](https://mintcdn.com/nango/OrYtvwUJtlFSfoa6/api-integrations/countdown-api/api_key_copy.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=OrYtvwUJtlFSfoa6\&q=85\&s=3d3185edb097814671d7d4a6ab978fcf)

You can also find the key under **Account** -> **Plan & Payment**. Click the copy icon next to **API Key**. Each account has one API key; **Change API Key** on this page replaces it with a new one.

![Countdown API Account Plan & Payment page with the copy icon next to the API Key highlighted](https://mintcdn.com/nango/OrYtvwUJtlFSfoa6/api-integrations/countdown-api/account_plan_api_key.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=OrYtvwUJtlFSfoa6\&q=85\&s=fd1277d7ab896ef52744f466d4cc6ab9)

### Step 2: Enter your API key in the Connect UI

1. Open the form where you need to authenticate with Countdown API.
2. Paste your key in the **API Key** field.
3. Submit the form, and you should be successfully authenticated.

![Countdown API Connect UI form with the API Key field](https://mintcdn.com/nango/OrYtvwUJtlFSfoa6/api-integrations/countdown-api/form.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=OrYtvwUJtlFSfoa6\&q=85\&s=67f0f68a60248ff032dc03d770d9f70e)

You are now connected to Countdown API.


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