> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/backup-and-storage/ionos-object-storage/how-tos/manage-keys.md).
# Manage Keys
For each user, an Object Storage key must be generated manually using [Generate a Key](/cloud/backup-and-storage/ionos-object-storage/get-started/generate-key.md).
## Activate or deactivate a key
1\. In the **DCD**, go to **Menu** > **Backup & Storage** > **Object Storage**.
2\. In the **Key management** tab, go to the **Access keys** section that lists all keys present in your account.
3\. Select the key and toggle on or off the **Active** option to activate or deactivate the key.
{% hint style="success" %}
**Result:** The access key status is set as `active` when toggled on and `deactivated` when toggled off.
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Warning:**
* When you have only one access key, disabling this key will lose your access to all existing buckets. However, the objects remain and usage costs continue to apply.
* To avoid losing access to your Object Storage buckets, you need at least one active access key. You can either generate a new access key or set an existing deactivated key as `active`.
{% endhint %}
## Activate or deactivate keys of other users
{% hint style="info" %}
**Prerequisite:** Only contract administrators and owners can set up the object storage and manage keys for other users. Make sure you have the corresponding permission.
{% endhint %}
1\. In the **DCD**, go to **Menu** > **Management** > **Users & Groups**.
2\. Select the user from the **Users** list and click the **Object Storage Keys** tab.
3\. Select the checkbox **Active** against the **Key** you want to set as active. Uncheck the checkbox to deactivate the key.
{% hint style="success" %}
**Result:** The access key status is successfully updated.
{% endhint %}
## Delete a key
1\. In the **DCD**, go to **Menu** > **Backup & Storage** > **Object Storage**.
2\. In the **Key management** tab, go to the **Access keys** section that lists all keys present in your account.
3\. Select the key to be deleted and click **Delete**.
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Warning:** Any access associated with this key will be revoked and cannot be restored.
{% endhint %}
4\. To confirm the deletion of the key, click **Delete**.
{% hint style="success" %}
**Result:** The access key is successfully deleted.
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Warning:** When you have only one access key with existing buckets, you cannot delete this key. You can either choose to [Deactivate a key](#activate-or-deactivate-a-key) or create a new access key before deleting the selected key. You can also delete existing buckets and continue with deleting the last access key.
{% endhint %}
## Delete key of other users
{% hint style="info" %}
**Prerequisite:** Only contract administrators and owners can delete keys for other users. Make sure you have the corresponding permission.
{% endhint %}
1\. In the **DCD**, go to **Menu** > **Management** > **Users & Groups**.
2\. Select the user from the **Users** list and click the **Object Storage Keys** tab.
3\. Select the key to be deleted from the list of keys and click **Delete**.
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Warning:** Any access associated with this key will be revoked and cannot be restored.
{% endhint %}
4\. To confirm the deletion of the key, click **OK**.
{% hint style="success" %}
**Result:** The access key is successfully deleted.
{% endhint %}
## API
Use the [API](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/api-reference/cloud-api-v6/user-s3-keys/) or [Object Storage Management API](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/api-reference/storage-and-backup/ionos-object-storage/ionos-object-storage-management/) to manage Object Storage access keys.
---
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