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

# Clerk - How do I link my account?

# Overview

To authenticate with Clerk, you need:

1. **Secret Key** - A key that grants Nango permission to interact with Clerk's APIs resources and services.

This guide will walk you through obtaining your **Secret Key** within Clerk.

### Prerequisites:

* You must have an account with Clerk.

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Retrieve your Clerk Secret Key

1. Sign in to your [Clerk Dashboard](https://dashboard.clerk.com/)
2. Select your application (or create one if you haven't already)
3. Navigate to **Configure** > **Developers** > **API Keys**

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/nango-wari-migrated-bigcommerce-docs/mBfLeSpCcit--J36/integrations/all/clerk/configure.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=mBfLeSpCcit--J36&q=85&s=593afea7f039785a0294857eb6608340" width="1865" height="599" data-path="integrations/all/clerk/configure.png" />

4. You'll see two types of keys:
   * **Publishable Key**: Starts with `pk_test_` or `pk_live_` (for frontend use)
   * **Secret Key**: Starts with `sk_test_` or `sk_live_` (for backend use - this is what you need)

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/nango-wari-migrated-bigcommerce-docs/mBfLeSpCcit--J36/integrations/all/clerk/api_key.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=mBfLeSpCcit--J36&q=85&s=edd92e464f416eb0d27ac62c028dc3a3" width="1908" height="680" data-path="integrations/all/clerk/api_key.png" />

5. Copy your **Secret Key**

<Warning>
  Keep your Secret Key secure and never expose it in client-side code or public repositories. This key provides full access to your Clerk backend API.
</Warning>

<Info>
  If you're just testing the integration, use your development key (`sk_test_...`). For production, use your live key (`sk_live_...`).
</Info>

#### Step 2: Enter credentials in the Connect UI

Once you have your Clerk **Secret Key**:

1. Open the form where you need to authenticate with Clerk.
2. Enter your **Secret Key** in its designated field.
3. Submit the form, and you should be successfully authenticated.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/nango-wari-migrated-bigcommerce-docs/mBfLeSpCcit--J36/integrations/all/clerk/form.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=mBfLeSpCcit--J36&q=85&s=192b5a74e3b55fc3ea483c877027938c" style={{maxWidth: "450px" }} width="500" height="794" data-path="integrations/all/clerk/form.png" />

You are now connected to Clerk.