Fixing the JWT Secret Error

Fixing the JWT Secret Error | Generated by AI

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Fixing the JWT Secret Error in LibreChat

The logs indicate the API is starting but crashing due to a missing JWT secret: JwtStrategy requires a secret or key. This is a common setup issue in LibreChat—the backend uses JWT (JSON Web Tokens) for authentication, and without a secret key, it can’t initialize the strategy. The RAG API, permissions, and other services are fine, but this blocks the main API from fully starting, preventing access to http://localhost:3080.

Quick Fix: Set the JWT_SECRET

Generate a Secure Secret:
- Run this command to create a random 32+ character string (use it as your JWT_SECRET):
```
openssl rand -base64 32
```
  Example output: a1b2c3d4e5f6g7h8i9j0k1l2m3n4o5p6q7r8s9t0u1v2w3x4y5z6
Update Your .env File:
- Open .env (in your LibreChat project root).
- Add or uncomment this line (replace with your generated secret):
```
JWT_SECRET=your_generated_secret_here
```
- If it’s already there but empty/commented, just fill it in.
- Save the file.
Restart the Services:
```
docker compose down
docker compose up -d
```
- Watch the logs: docker logs -f api (or docker logs -f librechat_api if named differently).
- Look for successful startup without the JWT error. It should log something like “Server running on port 3080”.

Verify It’s Working

After restart, check running containers:
```
docker ps
```
- The api container should be “Up” and expose port 3080.
Test access: Open http://localhost:3080 in your browser. You should see the LibreChat login/setup page.
If still issues, tail logs for new errors: docker logs api.

Other Notes from Logs

Outdated Config: You’re on v1.2.1, but v1.3.0 is available. After fixing JWT, review the changelog for new features (e.g., better auth options). Update by pulling the latest images: docker compose pull.
Turnstile Disabled: Fine for local dev; enable it later for production CAPTCHA.
UID/GID Warnings: If they persist, set them as I mentioned before to avoid future permission hiccups.

This should get you up and running—JWT_SECRET is required for auth endpoints. If logs show a different error post-fix, paste them here.

LibreChat Environment Variables
Common Docker Issues

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