# Getting started

Ninetile exposes JSON over HTTPS at https://api.ninetile.io/v1. Use the Token API to request an hCaptcha token or the Recognition API to request answers for a challenge you already have.

## 1. Create an account and a key

Create an account at https://ninetile.io/signup, add prepaid balance, and create an API key in the dashboard. The key is displayed once. Keep it server-side: do not embed it in a public website, repository, screenshot, or log.

Each key may have Token and/or Recognition permissions, an IP allow-list, and a spend limit. A lost key cannot be recovered; revoke and replace it.

## 2. Authenticate

Send `Authorization: Bearer <API_KEY>` with each authenticated request. `x-api-key` is also accepted. JSON requests must include `Content-Type: application/json`. Health is available without a key at `GET /v1/status`.

## 3. Check your account

```sh
curl https://api.ninetile.io/v1/me -H 'Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY'
```

`balance_usd` is the prepaid balance; `available_usd` excludes reservations for work in progress. `GET /v1/usage?days=7` reports daily usage.

## 4. Choose a task

- [Token API](https://ninetile.io/docs/token-api): submit a sitekey and URL, then wait for or poll a solve.
- [Recognition API](https://ninetile.io/docs/recognition-api): send a challenge's instruction and images and receive an answer synchronously.
- [Errors and limits](https://ninetile.io/docs/errors-and-limits): handle validation, rate limits, and terminal failures.

Use the API only on systems where you have permission. The Chrome extension is not published yet.

Canonical: https://ninetile.io/docs/getting-started