Your AWeber API key is the credential that allows the Contact Form 7 AWeber Extension to communicate with your AWeber account. In other words, without a valid AWeber API key, the plugin cannot access your subscriber lists, add new contacts, or sync form submissions.
Additionally, AWeber uses a different authentication model than Mailchimp. While Mailchimp uses a single API key string, AWeber requires OAuth-based credentials that include both an API key and an authorization code. This guide walks you through finding both credentials step by step.
Furthermore, the entire process takes less than three minutes. Once you have your AWeber API key, the Contact Form 7 AWeber Extension handles the rest automatically.
Where to Find Your AWeber API Key
Your AWeber API key is located in the AWeber Developer area. Specifically, follow these steps:
- Log in to your AWeber account at aweber.com.
- Navigate to your account settings by clicking your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Select the Integrations section from the account menu.
- Find or create your API credentials — AWeber displays your existing API applications or lets you create a new one.
- Copy the API key — this is the string you paste into the Contact Form 7 AWeber Extension settings.
In addition, AWeber may label the API key as “Consumer Key” or “Application Key” depending on which section of the developer area you access. These terms all refer to the same credential.
Understanding AWeber API Key vs Authorization Code
AWeber’s authentication requires two separate credentials. Specifically, the AWeber API key identifies your application, while the authorization code grants permission to access a specific AWeber account. Both are required for the Contact Form 7 AWeber Extension to work.
For example, think of it this way: the AWeber API key is like a username, and the authorization code is like a password. You need both to establish the connection between your WordPress site and your AWeber subscriber lists.
Moreover, the authorization code is generated through AWeber’s OAuth flow, which is a separate process from finding your API key. For detailed instructions on generating the authorization code, see our AWeber authorization code guide.
Entering Your AWeber API Key in WordPress
After you have copied your AWeber API key from the AWeber developer area, follow these steps to configure the plugin:
- Open your WordPress admin and navigate to Contact > Contact Forms.
- Edit the form you want to connect to AWeber.
- Click the AWeber tab that the Contact Form 7 AWeber Extension added to the form editor.
- Paste your AWeber API key into the API Key field.
- Enter your authorization code in the Authorization Code field.
- Click Save — the plugin validates your credentials and loads your available subscriber lists.
As a result, the dropdown below the credentials fields populates with your AWeber subscriber lists. Select the list you want form submissions sent to, map your form fields, and save the form again.
Common AWeber API Key Issues
Invalid API key error
If the plugin shows an “invalid API key” error, check for trailing spaces or line breaks in the key. Specifically, copy the AWeber API key directly from the AWeber developer area and paste it without modifications. In fact, most authentication errors are caused by invisible whitespace characters added during copy-paste.
API key works but no lists appear
This typically means the authorization code has expired. AWeber authorization codes have a limited lifespan. Consequently, you may need to generate a fresh authorization code by following the authorization code guide again.
Different AWeber API keys for different forms
Yes, each Contact Form 7 form can use a different AWeber API key. This is useful for businesses that manage multiple AWeber accounts. Similarly, the Mailchimp API key setup supports the same per-form configuration.
AWeber API Key Security
Your AWeber API key grants access to your subscriber data. Therefore, keep these security practices in mind:
- Never share your API key publicly — do not post it in forums, support tickets, or social media.
- Use one API key per application — create a dedicated key for the Contact Form 7 AWeber Extension rather than reusing keys from other integrations.
- Revoke compromised keys immediately — if you suspect your AWeber API key has been exposed, generate a new one from the AWeber developer area.
Most importantly, the Contact Form 7 AWeber Extension stores your credentials securely in the WordPress database as post meta data. It does not transmit your API key to any server other than AWeber’s official API endpoint.
Next Steps
After entering your AWeber API key, you may also want to configure these features:
- Generate your AWeber authorization code — complete the OAuth setup.
- Add an opt-in checkbox — let visitors choose whether to subscribe.
Additionally, if you need help with your AWeber API key or any other aspect of the plugin, contact us directly.