When organizations migrate from one API management platform to another, API key continuity and rotation strategy are critical concerns. API Owners want to avoid disrupting existing API Consumers while also ensuring a secure and manageable key lifecycle moving forward.
For teams migrating to Tyk, the process typically involves two phases:
- Importing existing API keys to avoid forcing immediate key rotation
- Establishing a sustainable key rotation strategy after migration
This blog walks through both phases and outlines the options available within Tyk.
Phase 1: Migrating Existing API Keys (No Immediate Rotation Required)
One of the most common migration concerns is avoiding disruption to existing users. Forcing all consumers to rotate API keys during migration can create operational overhead and service interruptions.
Fortunately, Tyk allows organizations to import existing API keys directly, enabling a seamless transition with zero downtime for end users.
Import Keys Using the Dashboard API
Tyk enables you to create an API key with a specific pre-existing value. This means the key that customers are already using can be preserved exactly as-is.
You can do this by passing the existing key value directly in the API request:
- Dashboard API
POST /api/keys/{existing_key_value}
When this request is made, Tyk stores the provided key string and attaches the corresponding session object, which can include:
- Rate limits
- Quotas
- Access policies
- Expiry settings
This allows teams to replicate the original access configuration while maintaining the same API key.
Import Keys via the Enterprise Developer Portal
For organizations using the Tyk Enterprise Developer Portal, key migration can also be handled through Managed Custom Credentials.
This feature allows administrators to import existing tokens and associate them with API Products and Plans within the portal.
Importing credentials can be done in two ways:
Portal UI
- Administrators manually upload or assign existing credentials.
Portal API
POST /portal-api/apps/{app_id}/custom_credentials
This allows organizations to programmatically migrate credentials while maintaining the existing developer experience.
Phase 2: Key Rotation Strategies in Tyk
After migration is complete, organizations should implement a clear and secure key rotation strategy. Tyk provides several flexible approaches depending on the authentication model and operational needs.
Zero-Downtime Key Rotation
A common and recommended approach is dual-key rotation.
Tyk allows multiple API keys to be issued to the same developer or application. This enables a safe rotation process:
- Generate a new API key
- Allow the developer time to update their client application
- Deactivate or delete the old key
This approach ensures continuous service availability during the transition.
Developer Self-Service Rotation via the Portal
The Enterprise Developer Portal includes a built-in Rotate Credentials feature.
Developers can rotate their credentials directly from their portal dashboard. This process can also be automated through the Portal API:
POST /apps/{app_id}/access-requests/{access-request_id}/credentials/{credential_id}/rotate
When triggered, Tyk:
- Generates new credentials
- Issues them to the developer
- Invalidates the previous token
This enables secure self-service credential management without requiring manual administrative intervention.
OAuth2 Client Secret Rotation
If OAuth2 is used for authentication, Tyk provides a dedicated endpoint for rotating OAuth client secrets while preserving the existing client_id.
PUT /tyk/oauth/clients/{apiID}/{keyName}/rotate
This endpoint:
- Generates a new client_secret
- Keeps the existing client identifier intact
- Maintains continuity for OAuth client applications
Rotating Dashboard User API Keys
For internal administrative users of the Tyk Dashboard, API keys can also be rotated programmatically.
PUT /api/users/{userId}/key
This operation:
- Generates a new key
- Invalidates the previous session
- Emits a KeyReset event to ensure the old key is no longer usable
Best Practices for API Key Lifecycle Management
When planning key rotation strategies, organizations should consider the following best practices:
- Avoid forced rotations during migration unless required for security reasons
- Use dual-key patterns for zero-downtime updates
- Enable self-service credential rotation via the developer portal
- Rotate OAuth secrets independently from client IDs
- Implement automated lifecycle management through CI/CD or API-driven workflows
Final Thoughts
Migrating API keys during an API management platform transition can often be one of the most disruptive tasks. However, with the flexibility provided by Tyk’s key management APIs and developer portal capabilities, organizations can migrate without forcing immediate changes on their users.
By importing existing credentials and implementing structured rotation strategies afterward, teams can ensure a smooth migration experience, strong security posture, and long-term operational flexibility.
