If ScreenshotAPI.net returns “API key invalid,” start with the response’s error identifier—not the wording of the message. Its documentation defines token_required as a 401 for a missing token, and also lists subscription_inactive as a separate 401. Check the token your request actually sends, then verify that it is still the active key in your Dashboard.
1. Identify what the response actually says
A 401 does not, on its own, prove that your key is malformed. ScreenshotAPI.net documents multiple authentication-related or account-related responses:
| Status | Error identifier | Documented meaning | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 401 | token_required |
The authentication token is missing. | Whether the request includes a non-empty token parameter. |
| 401 | subscription_inactive |
The subscription is inactive. | Account or subscription status, rather than repeatedly changing the key. |
| 402 | payment_required |
A payment-related condition. | Billing status. |
| 403 | trial_expired |
The trial has expired. | Trial or plan status. |
| 403 | screenshots_limit_reached |
The screenshot usage quota has been reached. | Usage and quota. |
| 429 | screenshots_limit_reached |
The requests-per-minute limit has been exceeded. | Request rate and retry behavior. |
These identifiers and statuses are listed on ScreenshotAPI.net’s Errors documentation. Use the error identifier and response body alongside the HTTP status to choose the next step.
2. Check the token in the request that failed
ScreenshotAPI.net’s Get Started guide uses a token request parameter. The key is available in your Dashboard. Verify the actual outgoing request—not only the source code or configuration you expected it to use.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Confirm the parameter is named
tokenand is present in the request. - Check that its value is non-empty, complete, and belongs to the intended ScreenshotAPI.net account.
- Compare the final request with the vendor’s Query Builder output or official example.
- If the request is assembled by an automation platform, environment variable, or deployment secret, inspect the resolved value there as well.
Treat the key as a password. Do not include it in public tickets, screenshots, source-control commits, or unredacted logs.
3. Check whether the key was rolled
In the ScreenshotAPI.net Dashboard, open Settings and check whether someone used Roll API Key. The vendor says this action issues a fresh key and revokes access from the previous one, so callers still configured with the old key will need updating. See the ScreenshotAPI.net Help page.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Retrieve the current key from the Dashboard.
- Replace the old value anywhere it is stored: application environment variables, deployed secrets, scheduled jobs, automation modules, and other integrations.
- Restart or redeploy the affected service if it reads credentials only at startup.
- Retry the request and confirm the response is no longer the same authentication error.
Do not roll the key just to troubleshoot a response that identifies an inactive subscription, expired trial, quota limit, or request-rate limit; those are separate account or usage conditions.
4. Troubleshoot common failure patterns
token_required with HTTP 401
The documented cause is a missing token. Check the exact outgoing request for a missing, blank, incorrectly named, or lost parameter. If a client or workflow builds the URL for you, verify the final request it sends.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
subscription_inactive with HTTP 401
This is a separately documented 401. Check the subscription or account state in the Dashboard; changing a correctly supplied key will not address an inactive subscription.
The request worked before a key change
If the Dashboard key was rolled, the former key is revoked. Update every caller to the new key, including less visible consumers such as scheduled jobs and automation scenarios.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
A 402, 403, or 429 response
Read the identifier and status. ScreenshotAPI.net documents payment_required (402), trial_expired (403), and screenshots_limit_reached for quota exhaustion (403) or requests-per-minute exhaustion (429). Follow the relevant billing, trial, quota, or rate-limit path instead of treating these as proof of a bad token. The Errors page lists the distinctions.
The current Dashboard key is sent, but the error remains
The reviewed public documentation does not specify a distinct invalid-token error code or detailed invalid-token response body. Contact ScreenshotAPI.net support with the HTTP status, error identifier and body, endpoint, timestamp, and a redacted request. Never send the key itself.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Or skip the browser setup
If you need a screenshot rather than a particular ScreenshotAPI.net integration, ScreenshotNeo is a website screenshot API and MCP server. A single GET request can return an image or PDF; for example, its cURL request is:
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webpSee the ScreenshotNeo documentation for request details. It removes cookie banners, newsletter popups, and chat widgets before capture; bot checks, blank pages, and failed loads are not billed. Its MCP server lets AI agents take screenshots, and the Free plan includes 1,000 screenshots a month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000. Sign up free for 1,000 screenshots a month, with no card required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does HTTP 401 always mean my ScreenshotAPI.net key is invalid?
No. The published errors table includes both token_required for a missing token and subscription_inactive as a separate 401.
Does rolling my API key keep the old key working?
No. ScreenshotAPI.net says rolling the key issues a fresh one and revokes access from the previous key.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
