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 flowagent login# Check authentication statusagent status# Log out and clear stored authenticationagent 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_hereagent "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