protected_resource

{
  "meta": {
    "requestId": "req_2c9a0jf23l4k567"
  },
  "error": {
    "detail": "The resource you are attempting to modify is protected and cannot be changed",
    "status": 403,
    "title": "Forbidden",
    "type": "https://unkey.com/docs/errors/unkey/application/protected_resource"
  }
}

​

What Happened?

• Attempting to delete a default API or workspace
• Trying to modify system-created roles or permissions
• Attempting to change protected settings or configurations
• Trying to remove or alter resources that are required for system integrity

# Attempting to delete a protected default API
curl -X DELETE https://api.unkey.com/v2/apis.deleteApi \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer unkey_YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -d '{
    "apiId": "api_default_protected"
  }'

​

How To Fix

1. Work with the protected resource: Use the resource as-is and build your workflows around it
2. Create a new resource: Instead of modifying a protected resource, create a new one with your desired configuration
3. Use alternatives: Look for alternative ways to achieve your goal without modifying protected resources
4. Contact support: If you believe you have a legitimate need to modify a protected resource, contact Unkey support

curl -X POST https://api.unkey.com/v2/apis.createApi \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer unkey_YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -d '{
    "name": "My Custom API"
  }'

​

Important Notes

• Protected resources are designated as such for system stability and security reasons
• Even with admin or owner permissions, protected resources typically cannot be modified
• This protection is separate from permission-based restrictions and applies even to workspace owners
• The protection status of a resource is not typically exposed in API responses until you try to modify it

​

Related Errors

• err:unkey:authorization:forbidden - When an operation is not allowed for policy reasons
• err:unkey:authorization:insufficient_permissions - When you lack permissions for an operation