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

# Create your first Web Unlocker API

> Set up your first Bright Data Web Unlocker API (98% success rate): create the API in the Control Panel, configure credentials and send your first request.

<Callout icon="badge-dollar" color="#4180f9" iconType="solid">
  **Start free, no credit card required**

  Your free tier includes **5,000 credits every month** for the Web Unlocker API. Create your Web Unlocker API and start sending requests immediately, no payment method needed. [Learn more about the free tier](/general/account/billing-and-pricing/free-tier).
</Callout>

This quick start walks you through creating your first **Web Unlocker API zone** in the Bright Data Control Panel.\
Once completed, your API will be ready to send unlock requests and return clean HTML or JSON responses.

## How to set up step by step

<Steps>
  <Step title={<a href="https://brightdata.com/cp/start">Sign in to Bright Data</a>}>
    Log in to your Bright Data account using your credentials. If you don’t have an account yet, you’ll be prompted to create one before proceeding.
  </Step>

  <Step title={<>Navigate to the <a href="https://brightdata.com/cp/web_access/new">Create an API</a> page</>}>
    From the Bright Data Control Panel:

    **1.** Open the left-hand navigation menu from the dashboard.\
    **2.** Select **Web Access APIs** from the menu.\
    **3.** Click **Create API** to start creating a new API.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/brightdata/S8tFtc_KJjCQxqv1/images/scraping-automation/web-unlocker/quick-start/create-an-api.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=S8tFtc_KJjCQxqv1&q=85&s=3261aa300160d1f692e7e823394e22ad" alt="Create an API" width="1772" height="984" data-path="images/scraping-automation/web-unlocker/quick-start/create-an-api.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Web Unlocker API">
    In the API selection screen, choose **Web Unlocker API**. This enables automatic proxy management and unblocking logic for your requests.

    Click **Continue** to proceed.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/brightdata/w0SvUEkwL-1dGVtS/images/scraping-automation/web-unlocker/quick-start/select-unlocker-api.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=w0SvUEkwL-1dGVtS&q=85&s=4a05051e2a708add108530f953b664c4" alt="Web Unlocker API" width="3260" height="1420" data-path="images/scraping-automation/web-unlocker/quick-start/select-unlocker-api.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Assign a name to your Web Unlocker API">
    Enter a **clear and descriptive name** for your Web Unlocker API. This helps you identify the API later, especially if you manage multiple zones.

    You may also add an optional description for internal reference.

    <Warning>
      **The Web Unlocker API name cannot be changed once created.**
      You can modify all other settings later, including domains, headers, and throttling options. For details, see [Configure your API](/scraping-automation/web-unlocker/configuration).
    </Warning>

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/brightdata/S8tFtc_KJjCQxqv1/images/scraping-automation/web-unlocker/quick-start/config-unlocker-api.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=S8tFtc_KJjCQxqv1&q=85&s=1ac57436258f912f341e382f81491db3" alt="API Name" width="3260" height="1422" data-path="images/scraping-automation/web-unlocker/quick-start/config-unlocker-api.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add payment method (free trial users only)">
    If you signed up with a personal email (e.g., Gmail, GitHub) and have not yet added a payment method, the primary button will read **Add payment method** instead of **Add API**.

    Click the button to open the payment verification form and complete the process. You will **not** be charged, this is for identity verification only.

    <Info>
      Already have a payment method on file? This step is skipped automatically. For full details, see [Payment Verification](/general/account/billing-and-pricing/payment-verification).
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Finalize API creation">
    Review your configuration and click **Add API**. If you were redirected to add a payment method, your zone is created automatically once verification completes. Your Web Unlocker API zone is now created and immediately available for use.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/brightdata/S8tFtc_KJjCQxqv1/images/scraping-automation/web-unlocker/quick-start/save-unlocker-api.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=S8tFtc_KJjCQxqv1&q=85&s=2eb0b4756a2cdef75a5cb2dd642a4871" alt="Save API" width="3260" height="1422" data-path="images/scraping-automation/web-unlocker/quick-start/save-unlocker-api.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>
</Steps>
