Authorization Failed (Beginner Friendly Explanation)
What does this error mean?
When Postman shows 401 Unauthorized, 403 Forbidden, or “Authentication failed”, it simply means:
“The server does not know who you are.”
The API is protecting its data, so it refuses to reply until you prove your identity.
Why this happens (simple reasons)
| Reason | Meaning |
|---|---|
| No token added | You forgot to give your ID to the API |
| Wrong token | You gave an invalid ID |
| Wrong auth type | API expected one method, you gave another |
How to fix it (step-by-step)
Step 1 — Get API Token
From the website or platform you’re using:
-
Login
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Go to Profile / Developer / API section
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Copy your API token
Step 2 — Add it in Postman
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Open your request
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Go to Authorization tab
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Select Type → Bearer Token
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Paste your API token
Step 3 — Send request
Click Send
If token is correct — response will work instantly.
What’s happening behind the scenes?
Postman automatically adds this header:
Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN
That header is your digital ID card.“So whenever you see authorization failed — remember:
The API is just asking ‘Who are you?’
Give your token — and it will talk to you 
”