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

# Secrets and keys

> Safe storage of tokens and API keys for external services.

**Secrets** are environment variables for safe storage of tokens, API keys and other credentials. The agent uses them when calling external services, and they are never shown in plain text.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/ascn-b377dab5/gJOzWPSTEzSbhz3B/images/en/16-secrets.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=gJOzWPSTEzSbhz3B&q=85&s=45c72e204eb73248d51e90969702de81" alt="Settings → Secrets and keys" width="2415" height="1076" data-path="images/en/16-secrets.png" />

## When you need secrets

When connecting your own APIs or services that need auth keys. For example:

* An API key for a third-party service
* A token for a corporate Slack
* Webhook keys

<Info>
  Standard connectors (Gmail, Google Calendar, Slack) authorize via OAuth — you don't need secrets for them.
</Info>

## How to add a secret

1. Open **Settings → Secrets and keys**
2. Click **+ Add secret**
3. Enter the **name** (e.g. `API_KEY`) and **value**
4. Save

## Security

* Secret values are encrypted and not shown after save
* Secrets don't end up in chat history or logs
* You can delete a secret at any time