---
name: jeremylongshore/fathom-install-auth
source: https://app.decimal.ai/s/jeremylongshore-fathom-install-auth@1/SKILL.md
source_sha256: 530ca28ff85c
---

# Fathom Install & Auth

## Overview

Set up Fathom AI API access for retrieving meeting transcripts, summaries, and action items. The API at `api.fathom.ai/external/v1` uses `X-Api-Key` header authentication with per-user API keys.

## Prerequisites

- Fathom account (free or Team plan)
- API access enabled in Settings

## Instructions

### Step 1: Generate API Key

1. Log in to https://fathom.video
2. Navigate to **Settings** > **Integrations** > **API Access**
3. Click **Generate API Key**
4. Copy and store the key securely

```bash
export FATHOM_API_KEY="your-api-key-here"

# Verify the key works
curl -s -H "X-Api-Key: ${FATHOM_API_KEY}" \
  https://api.fathom.ai/external/v1/meetings?limit=1 | jq .
```

### Step 2: Configure Environment

```bash
# .env -- NEVER commit
FATHOM_API_KEY=your-api-key
FATHOM_BASE_URL=https://api.fathom.ai/external/v1

# .gitignore
.env
.env.local
```

### Step 3: Test API Connectivity

```bash
# List recent meetings
curl -s -H "X-Api-Key: ${FATHOM_API_KEY}" \
  "https://api.fathom.ai/external/v1/meetings?limit=5" \
  | jq '.meetings[] | {id: .id, title: .title, date: .created_at}'
```

### Step 4: OAuth Setup (For Public Apps)

```bash
# For building integrations others will use, register an OAuth app
# at developers.fathom.ai for marketplace listing eligibility

# OAuth apps cannot use include_transcript or include_summary
# in list requests -- use individual recording endpoints instead
```

## Error Handling

| Error | Cause | Solution |
|-------|-------|----------|
| `401 Unauthorized` | Invalid API key | Regenerate in Settings > API Access |
| `403 Forbidden` | Key lacks access | API keys access your meetings + team shared |
| `429 Too Many Requests` | Rate limit (60/min) | Implement backoff |
| Empty meetings list | No recordings yet | Record a meeting first |

## Resources

- [Fathom API Docs](https://developers.fathom.ai)
- [Fathom API Quickstart](https://developers.fathom.ai/quickstart)
- [Fathom Help Center](https://help.fathom.video/en/articles/8368641)

## Next Steps

Proceed to `fathom-hello-world` to retrieve your first meeting transcript.