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Knowledge base › Sales Channels & Integrations › Why do some channels log me in and others ask for keys? Sales Channels & Integrations
LIVE UPDATED · 12 JUN 2026 · 1 MIN READ

Why do some channels log me in and others ask for keys?

Some channels use an authorise (OAuth) flow that sends you off to log in; others ask you to paste API keys. The connect button picks the right one.

Channels connect in one of two ways. Knowing which is which explains why some send you off to the channel to log in and others ask you to paste keys.

The available platforms grid where you start a connection

What are the two connection styles?

  • Authorise (OAuth) — used by Shopify, eBay, Amazon, Etsy, TikTok Shop and QuickBooks Online. You click Connect, get sent to the channel to sign in and approve the permissions, then return. No passwords are stored here, and you can revoke access from the channel.
  • API key or token — used by WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Walmart and Avalara. You generate keys in the channel's own settings and paste them into the connect form. The keys are encrypted before they're saved.

What does each mean for me later?

  • Authorise connections can expire or be rejected by the channel, for example after a password change, which shows as Reconnect required. Fixing it means re-running the authorise step.
  • Key-based connections stay valid until you regenerate or revoke the key in the channel.

Tip. You never choose the style. The connect button starts the right flow for whichever channel you picked.

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