When setting up custom headers in the DeepSeek API, several common errors can occur. Here are the key issues to be aware of:
1. Incorrect Header Names:
- One frequent mistake is using the wrong header for authorization. The DeepSeek API requires the `Authorization` header formatted as `Bearer `, but users sometimes mistakenly use `X-API-Key` instead, resulting in authentication errors like a 401 Unauthorized response[1][4].
2. Missing Required Headers:
- Failing to include necessary headers such as `Content-Type: application/json` can lead to errors. This header is essential for the API to correctly interpret the request format[7][4].
3. Unsupported Parameters:
- Including unsupported parameters in requests can trigger errors. For instance, parameters like `temperature`, `top_p`, or `frequency_penalty` are not supported by certain models (e.g., DeepSeek-R1), and their presence can lead to a 400 Bad Request error[4][3].
4. JSON Formatting Issues:
- Improperly formatted JSON payloads can cause requests to fail. It's crucial to validate the JSON structure and ensure that all required fields are correctly formatted before sending the request[4][5].
5. Exceeding Token Limits:
- Users may encounter errors if they exceed the maximum token limit for input or output. For example, setting output tokens beyond the allowed maximum (e.g., 8192) can result in hard errors[5][4].
6. Network and Server Issues:
- Sometimes, network connectivity problems or server overloads can cause requests to hang or fail. Monitoring server status and ensuring a stable internet connection is vital for successful API interactions[4][6].
7. Inconsistent Request Templates:
- Errors may arise from inconsistencies in request templates, especially when using custom implementations or libraries that interface with DeepSeek. Ensuring that the request structure aligns with DeepSeek's specifications is essential[2][3].
By being aware of these common pitfalls and adhering to the API documentation, users can improve their experience and minimize errors when working with the DeepSeek API.
Citations:
[1] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/79338442/a-call-to-deepseek-api-in-r-returns-401-error-despite-correct-api-key
[2] https://github.com/phidatahq/phidata/issues/1747
[3] https://github.com/Mintplex-Labs/anything-llm/issues/2995
[4] https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/how-to-resolve-deepseek-http-errors/
[5] https://github.com/danny-avila/LibreChat/discussions/4290
[6] https://blog.domainindia.com/2025/01/30/deepseek-openwebui-installation-guide/
[7] https://apidog.com/blog/deepseek-r1-review-api/
[8] https://github.com/cline/cline/issues/231
[9] https://www.listendata.com/2025/01/how-to-use-deepseek-in-r.html