Fix: Cursor API Key or Subscription Not Working
Quick Answer
Sign out of Cursor (Cmd+Shift+P > 'Sign Out'), then sign back in. This refreshes your authentication token and subscription status.
Quick Fix Summary
| Issue | API key issues |
| Fastest fix | Sign out and back in |
| Use this page if | Error: 'Invalid API key' |
Symptoms
- !Error: 'Invalid API key'
- !Features limited despite Pro subscription
- !AI responses stop working mid-session
- !Rate limit exceeded errors
Step-by-Step Fix
Sign out and back in
Cmd+Shift+P > 'Cursor: Sign Out'. Restart Cursor. Sign in again. This refreshes your auth token.
Verify your subscription
Go to cursor.com/settings > Billing. Verify your subscription is active and your payment method is valid.
Check model access
Not all models are available on all plans. Free users have limited model access. Check which models your plan includes.
Clear Cursor credentials
On macOS: delete ~/Library/Application Support/Cursor/credentials.json. On Windows: delete %APPDATA%/Cursor/credentials.json. Then sign in again.
Contact support
If nothing works, email support@cursor.sh with your account email and the specific error message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most common cause: your auth token expired. Sign out and back in to refresh it.
Yes, the free tier includes limited AI completions and chat. Pro features require a $20/mo subscription.
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