Skip to main content
Glama

set_etherscan_api_key

Idempotent

Set an Etherscan V2 API key to enable EVM transaction history, allowance enumeration, and transaction explanation tools without restarting the MCP client. Works across Ethereum, Arbitrum, Polygon, Base, and Optimism.

Instructions

Set an Etherscan V2 API key for EVM transaction-history / allowance-enumeration / tx-explanation reads at runtime — no restart required. Takes precedence over ETHERSCAN_API_KEY env var and userConfig. One key works across all 5 supported EVM chains (Ethereum / Arbitrum / Polygon / Base / Optimism) via Etherscan's V2 unified API. Designed for the demo-mode flow where users want to enable tx-history / allowance / explain_tx tools without restarting their MCP client, but works in any mode. INPUT: bare API key only (34-char alphanumeric, e.g. ZQTKPM98R5N4YT8GMTBI3XR2P4HFZNTAYG). Pasting a URL is rejected to prevent prompt-injection redirects. WHERE TO GET ONE: https://etherscan.io/myapikey — sign in, click "Add", copy the key. Free tier covers personal-volume use comfortably (5 calls/sec, 100K calls/day). PERSISTENCE: process memory only. To save across restarts, run vaultpilot-mcp-setup (after exiting demo mode if applicable) and paste the same key when prompted. AGENT BEHAVIOR: when the user pastes a key in chat ('here's my Etherscan key: <34 chars>'), call this tool immediately. NEVER echo the key back in any subsequent response — treat it as secret-shaped.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
apiKeyYesEtherscan V2 API key (34-char alphanumeric, e.g. ZQTKPM98R5N4YT8GMTBI3XR2P4HFZNTAYG). Get one for free at https://etherscan.io/myapikey. One key works across all 5 supported EVM chains via the V2 unified API. Stored in process memory only — survives until the MCP server restarts.
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Discloses persistence (process memory only, not across restarts), security (URL rejection for prompt-injection), and idempotent nature beyond annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Well-structured with clear sections, but slightly verbose; however, all content is valuable and no redundancy.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

No output schema, but description adequately explains the side-effects (enables tools, persistence, agent behavior). Could mention return value briefly.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema covers 100% of param, but description adds crucial details: bare key only, example, where to get, and security constraint (no URL).

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

Clearly states verb 'Set' and resource 'Etherscan V2 API key' with specific purpose for EVM reads. Distinguishes from sibling like set_helius_api_key.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Explicitly describes when to use (demo-mode flow, enabling tools without restart), precedence over env var, and agent behavior (call immediately, never echo key).

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Install Server

Other Tools

Latest Blog Posts

MCP directory API

We provide all the information about MCP servers via our MCP API.

curl -X GET 'https://glama.ai/api/mcp/v1/servers/szhygulin/recon-crypto-mcp'

If you have feedback or need assistance with the MCP directory API, please join our Discord server