How to Fix WordPress API Integration Error: Invalid Credentials

What is the WordPress REST API?

The WordPress REST API is a built-in feature that allows external applications like FlowHunt to communicate with your WordPress website. It enables you to create, read, update, and delete content programmatically, making it essential for integrating FlowHunt with your WordPress site for automated content management and chatbot functionality.

How to Generate a WordPress Application Password?

WordPress Application Passwords provide a secure way to authenticate API requests without using your main login credentials:

1. Log into your WordPress admin dashboard
2. Go to Users > Profile or Users > All Users and edit your user
3. Scroll down to the Application Passwords section
4. Enter a name for your application (e.g., “FlowHunt Integration”)
5. Click Add New Application Password
6. Copy the generated password immediately - it won’t be shown again
7. Use your WordPress username and this application password for API authentication

What Causes WordPress API Integration Errors?

WordPress API integration errors typically occur due to several common issues:

Authentication Problems

• Incorrect username or application password
• Using your regular WordPress password instead of an application password
• Expired or revoked application passwords

Server Configuration Issues

• WordPress REST API disabled by hosting provider
• Security plugins blocking API requests
• Incorrect API endpoint URL format
• Server-side security measures preventing external connections

Shared Hosting Limitations

• Hosting providers may disable REST API by default for security
• Rate limiting on API requests
• Firewall rules blocking external API calls

How to Fix “Invalid API Credentials” Error?

When you encounter the “Invalid API credentials” error while connecting FlowHunt to WordPress, follow these troubleshooting steps:

Step 1: Verify Your API Endpoint

1. Ensure you’re using the correct API endpoint format: https://yoursite.com/wp-json/wp/v2/
2. Test the endpoint by visiting it in your browser - you should see JSON data
3. Make sure your site URL is correct and accessible

Step 2: Check Your Credentials

1. Verify you’re using your WordPress username (not email)
2. Confirm you’re using an Application Password, not your regular password
3. Generate a new Application Password if needed
4. Ensure there are no extra spaces when copying credentials

Step 3: Verify REST API is Enabled

1. Visit https://yoursite.com/wp-json/wp/v2/users/me while logged in
2. If you see user data, the API is working
3. If you get an error, the REST API may be disabled

Step 4: Check for Plugin Conflicts

1. Temporarily deactivate security plugins
2. Test the API connection again
3. If it works, configure your security plugin to allow API access
4. Common plugins that may block API: Wordfence, Sucuri, iThemes Security

How to Resolve Shared Hosting API Issues?

Shared hosting providers often have additional restrictions that can cause API integration problems:

Contact Your Hosting Provider

1. Ask if they allow WordPress REST API requests
2. Inquire about any rate limiting or security measures
3. Request them to enable REST API if it’s disabled
4. Ask about firewall rules that might block external connections

Alternative Authentication Methods

1. Try Basic Authentication if Application Passwords don’t work
2. Some shared hosts work better with different authentication methods
3. Consider using JWT authentication plugins if available

Check Hosting Control Panel

1. Look for API or security settings in your hosting control panel
2. Some providers have toggles to enable/disable REST API
3. Check for any blocked IP addresses or domains

How to Test WordPress API Connection?

To verify your WordPress API is working correctly:

Using Browser Testing

1. Visit https://yoursite.com/wp-json/wp/v2/posts to see if posts are returned
2. Check https://yoursite.com/wp-json/wp/v2/ for the API index
3. Test authenticated endpoints with proper credentials

Using Command Line Tools

curl -X GET "https://yoursite.com/wp-json/wp/v2/posts" \
  -u "username:application_password"

Common API Response Codes

• 200: Success - API is working correctly
• 401: Unauthorized - Check your credentials
• 403: Forbidden - API may be disabled or blocked
• 404: Not Found - Check your endpoint URL

How to Configure Security Plugins for API Access?

If security plugins are blocking your API requests:

Wordfence Configuration

1. Go to Wordfence > Firewall > All Firewall Options
2. Find “Disable Code Execution for Uploads directory”
3. Add your FlowHunt server IP to the whitelist
4. Enable “Allow REST API access”

Other Security Plugins

1. Look for REST API or API access settings
2. Whitelist FlowHunt’s IP addresses
3. Create exceptions for legitimate API requests
4. Temporarily disable to test, then configure properly

Similar Questions and Answers

Q: Why does my WordPress API work in browser but not with FlowHunt? A: This usually indicates authentication issues. Browser access uses your logged-in session, while FlowHunt requires Application Password authentication.

Q: Can I use my regular WordPress password for API integration? A: No, you must use Application Passwords for security. Regular passwords won’t work with the REST API.

Q: What if my hosting provider doesn’t support WordPress REST API? A: Consider switching to a hosting provider that supports modern WordPress features, or ask them to enable REST API access.

Q: How do I know if my security plugin is blocking API requests? A: Temporarily deactivate security plugins and test the connection. If it works, configure the plugin to allow API access.

Q: Why do I get different errors on shared hosting vs dedicated hosting? A: Shared hosting often has additional security restrictions and limitations that don’t exist on dedicated or VPS hosting environments.