MISSING_CREDENTIAL Error

First, match MISSING_CREDENTIAL

This page targets MISSING_CREDENTIAL. The full message can contain a few extra words on different operating systems or Node.js versions, but the core error code or phrase should match.

When searching or asking for help, copy the full error and remove API keys, private repository names, usernames and sensitive paths.

What MISSING_CREDENTIAL means

DSH knows which provider or model the session wants to use, but it cannot find a usable credential for that provider.

Common causes of MISSING_CREDENTIAL

• No API key has been saved for the selected provider.
• The session still points to a provider whose credential was removed.
• apiKeyEnv names an environment variable that was not set before DSH started.
• You edited a different DSH profile from the one that is currently running.

Source trace for MISSING_CREDENTIAL

These links are pinned to the 0.1.2-alpha.5 / 49a606b snapshot used for this page. They help separate MISSING_CREDENTIAL from failures produced by Node.js, PowerShell, the operating-system network stack or filesystem permissions.

Fix MISSING_CREDENTIAL

1. 01

   Check which provider the session uses

   Read the selected model and the error details. Confirm whether the session uses the built-in DeepSeek provider or a custom OpenAI-compatible provider.

2. 02

   Save the key in the Web UI

   Open Settings → Models, edit the matching provider, enter the key in its credential field and save. For the normal provider-card flow, you do not need an environment variable.

3. 03

   Only use environment commands when apiKeyEnv is configured

   The variable name must exactly match apiKeyEnv. GATEWAY_API_KEY below is an example; replace it with the name in your provider configuration.

4. 04

   Windows PowerShell

   Set the variable in the same PowerShell window that will start DSH.

   $env:GATEWAY_API_KEY="your_key_here" npx @deepseek-ai/dsh web
5. 05

   Windows Command Prompt

   Use set in Command Prompt, then start DSH in that same window.

   set GATEWAY_API_KEY=your_key_here npx @deepseek-ai/dsh web
6. 06

   macOS or Linux

   Export the variable in the same shell that will start DSH.

   export GATEWAY_API_KEY="your_key_here" npx @deepseek-ai/dsh web
7. 07

   Select the model again

   Return to the input area, select a model under the provider you just configured and retry. If the old session still holds the previous provider or model, create a new session.

Verify MISSING_CREDENTIAL is fixed

• Settings shows the provider as configured without revealing the full key.
• The input area shows a specific provider and model instead of Select model.
• A small text-only prompt completes without MISSING_CREDENTIAL.

MISSING_CREDENTIAL FAQ

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