To sign up for a new Akismet API key, visit the Akismet web site and sign up for the plan that best matches your business.

When you complete the signup process, Akismet will provide you with your own API key, a short code unique to your site. Keep it safe, as you would a bank PIN number or access code.

To add or replace your active API key:

1. Sign in to your WordPress control panel.
2. Click the Plugins link in the left column.
3. On the Manage Plugins page, look for the Akismet row. If you have not yet activated Akismet, click the corresponding Activate link.
4. Click the Akismet Configuration link that appears below Plugins in the left column.
5. Enter your new key in the WordPress.com API Key section of the Akismet Configuration page.
6. Click the Update options button to save your changes.

To deactivate Akismet:

1. Sign in to your WordPress control panel.
2. Click the Plugins link in the left column.
3. On the Manage Plugins page, look for the Akismet row.
4. To deactivate Akismet, click the Deactivate link.