pages/cli/reference/authentication.txt

route: /docs/cli/reference/authentication
title: Authentication
description: Set up authentication and API keys for Cursor CLI.

Authentication
Cursor CLI supports two authentication methods: browser-based login (recommended) and API keys.
Browser authentication (recommended)
Use the browser flow for the easiest authentication experience:
# Log in using browser flow
agent login
# Check authentication status
agent status
# Log out and clear stored authentication
agent logout
The login command opens your default browser and prompts you to authenticate with your Cursor account. Set NO_OPEN_BROWSER=1 to print the login URL without opening a browser. Once complete, your credentials are securely stored locally.
API key authentication
For automation, scripts, or CI environments, use API key authentication:
Step 1: Generate an API key
Generate a user API key from Cursor Dashboard → API Keys.
Step 2: Set the API key
You can provide the API key in two ways:
Option 1: Environment variable (recommended)
export CURSOR_API_KEY=your_api_key_here
agent "implement user authentication"
Option 2: Command line flag
agent --api-key your_api_key_here "implement user authentication"
Authentication status
Check your current authentication status:
agent status
This command will display:
Whether you're authenticated
Your account information
Current endpoint configuration
Troubleshooting
"Not authenticated" errors: Run agent login or ensure your API key is correctly set
Browser doesn't open: Run NO_OPEN_BROWSER=1 agent login and open the printed URL manually