Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID – Complete Setup Guide?

Are you confused about Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID? You are not alone. Many beginners face the same doubt when they first start using Razorpay for payments.

In this blog, we will explain Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID – Complete Setup Guide in very simple English. Even if you are not fluent in English, you will understand this step by step.

We will see what Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID means, how they are different, and how both are used in Razorpay setup.

What is Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID?

The Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID confusion comes because both terms sound similar. But in reality, they are used for different purposes.

The Key ID (also called API Key ID) is like a username for your website to connect with Razorpay.

• Format: rzp_live_xxxxxxxxx (for live mode) or rzp_test_xxxxxxxxx (for test mode).

• You use this Key ID inside your website or plugin.

• It always works together with a Key Secret.

👉 Think of it like an ATM card number. It identifies your account but does not work alone. You also need the PIN (in Razorpay’s case, the Key Secret).

What is Razorpay Key Secret?

When you generate API keys in the Razorpay Dashboard, you get:

• Key ID

• Key Secret

The Key Secret is shown only once. You must save it safely.

👉 The Key Secret is like your ATM PIN. It must be kept private. Never share it publicly. Understanding Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID will also help you remember that the Key Secret always pairs with the Key ID, not the Merchant ID.

What is Razorpay Merchant ID?

The Merchant ID (MID) is your business ID in Razorpay.

• Format: something like ABCD1234567890.

• It is linked to your Razorpay account and is used for settlements and support.

• You can find it in Dashboard → My Account → Profile.

👉 Think of Merchant ID as your business registration number in Razorpay. Many beginners mix up Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID here, but they are very different.

Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID – The Difference

Now let us clear the confusion between Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID.

• Key ID (API Key ID): Used for integration. It connects your website or app with Razorpay for payments.

• Key Secret: Works with Key ID for authentication.

• Merchant ID: Identifies your Razorpay business account. Not used in normal website integration.

So, when you set up payments, you usually need Key ID + Key Secret, not Merchant ID. This is the most important point of Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID – Complete Setup Guide.

Where to Find Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID?

Steps for Key ID and Key Secret

1. Login to Razorpay Dashboard.

2. Switch to Live Mode (for real payments).

3. Go to Account & Settings → API Keys.

4. Generate keys.

5. Copy Key ID and Key Secret (Secret shown only once).

Steps for Merchant ID

1. Login to Razorpay Dashboard.

2. Go to Account & Settings → Profile.

3. You will see your Merchant ID (MID) there.

👉 This is why people confuse Razorpay Key ID vs Merchant ID. Both appear in different dashboard areas, but they serve different purposes.

How to Regenerate Razorpay API Key (Get New Secret)

Important to understand first

• Key ID (API Key ID) → always visible in the dashboard

• Key Secret → shown only once when the key is generated

• If you missed it ❌ you cannot view it again

• The only option is to regenerate a new key

1. Login to Razorpay Dashboard

2. Switch to LIVE mode (top right)

3. Go to Account & Settings

4. Click API Keys

5. Click Regenerate Key

6. Razorpay will show:

   • New Key ID

   • New Key Secret (copy & save immediately)

⚠️ Save the Key Secret safely (password manager / secure note)

⚠️ Very Important (Don’t Miss This)

• After regeneration, OLD keys will STOP working

• You must update the new Key ID & Key Secret in:

  • bloomingtutorial.com

  • bloomings.in

  • Any plugin / app / server using Razorpay

If you don’t update → payments will fail.

✅ Safe Practice (Recommended)

• Store Key Secret in:

  • Password manager

  • Secure document

  • Environment variables (for developers)

• Never paste Key Secret in frontend code or public files

Why “Immediately change API” is the RIGHT choice

• You forgot the Razorpay Key Secret

• You need the new Key Secret now

• You are ready to update the keys on your websites

In this case:

✅ Immediately change API

• Old keys stop working right now

• New Key ID + Key Secret become active instantly

• You can copy the secret and update your sites immediately

This is exactly what you need.

⏳ Why NOT “After 24 hours”

❌ After 24 hours is used only when:

• You suspect a security breach

• You want time to update many systems slowly

• You are running high-traffic live payments and need a buffer

If you choose this:

• Old keys stay active for 24 hours

• New key activates later

• You may get confused and delay setup

Not recommended for your case.

What to do STEP-BY-STEP (Safe Method)

1. Choose Immediately change API

2. Copy Key ID and Key Secret (save safely)

3. Update keys in: for Example

   • firstwebsite.com

   • secondwebsite.in

   • Any Razorpay plugin / code

4. Do a test payment (small amount)

5. Confirm payment success

🧠 Simple Rule to Remember

🔑 Forgot Key Secret = Immediately change API

How to Check Live Mode in Razorpay (Step-by-Step)

🔹 Step 1: Login

Go to 👉 https://dashboard.razorpay.com
Login to your Razorpay account.

🔹 Step 2: Look at the Top-Right Corner

On the top-right side of the dashboard, you will see a mode switch:

• Test Mode

• Live Mode

👉 If Live Mode is highlighted / selected, you are in LIVE MODE ✅
👉 If Test Mode is highlighted, you are in TEST MODE ❌

🔹 Step 3: Visual Hint (Very Important)

• Test Mode → Usually shows “TEST” label or orange/grey theme

• Live Mode → No “TEST” label, normal dashboard view

Double-Check Using API Keys (Best Method)

1. Go to Account & Settings → API Keys

2. Check the Key ID format:

👉 If you see rzp_live_XXXX, you are in LIVE MODE ✅

⚠️ Important Reminder

• Never use Test keys in Live Mode

• Never use Live keys while testing

🧠 Simple Memory Trick

LIVE payments = rzp_live_
TEST payments = rzp_test_

How to Check Razorpay LIVE MODE in WordPress

🔹 Step 1: Login to WordPress Admin

Go to
https://yourwebsite.com/wp-admin
Login with admin username & password.

🔹 Step 2: Open Razorpay Settings (Plugin)

Depending on your setup, follow one of these:

▶ If you are using WooCommerce

1. Go to WooCommerce → Settings

2. Click Payments

3. Select Razorpay

4. Click Manage

▶ If you are using Razorpay Plugin (Direct)

1. Go to Settings → Razorpay
   (or Plugins → Razorpay → Settings)

🔹 Step 3: Check Mode (Most Important)

Inside Razorpay settings, look for:

• Test Mode checkbox / toggle

• Or Live / Test mode option

✅ You are in LIVE MODE if:

• ❌ Test Mode is OFF

• OR Live Mode is ON

🔹 Step 4: Check API Key Format (Final Confirmation)

Look at the Key ID field in WordPress:

👉 If you see rzp_live_XXXX, your WordPress site is in LIVE MODE.

🔹 Step 5: Save & Test (Important)

1. Click Save Changes

2. Open your website

3. Try a small real payment (₹1 / ₹10)

4. Check Razorpay Dashboard → Payments

If payment appears under Live Mode, setup is correct ✅

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Live mode ON but test keys used
❌ Test mode OFF but old keys not updated
❌ Regenerated keys but not pasted in WordPress

🧠 Easy Memory Trick

WordPress shows rzp_live_ → REAL MONEY
WordPress shows rzp_test_ → PRACTICE ONLY

How to paste the Razorpay Secret Key in WordPress.

METHOD 1: WooCommerce + Razorpay Plugin (Most Common)

BEFORE YOU START (Important)

• You must already have:

  • Key ID → rzp_live_XXXX

  • Key Secret → long random text

• You must be logged in as WordPress Admin

Step 1: Login to WordPress

Go to
https://yourwebsite.com/wp-admin

Step 2: Open Razorpay Settings

1. Go to WooCommerce

2. Click Settings

3. Click Payments

4. Find Razorpay

5. Click Manage

Step 3: Paste Keys (THIS IS WHERE)

You will see fields like:

• Key ID

• Key Secret

• Test Mode (checkbox)

👉 Paste like this:

• Key ID → paste your rzp_live_XXXX

• Key Secret → paste your secret key (carefully)

⚠️ Make sure:

• No extra space at start or end

• Copy–paste exactly

Step 4: Disable Test Mode

• ❌ Uncheck Enable Test Mode

• (Because you are using LIVE keys)

Step 5: Save

Click Save Changes

✅ Done

METHOD 2: Razorpay Plugin (Without WooCommerce)

Step 1

Go to Settings → Razorpay
(or Plugins → Razorpay → Settings)

Step 2

Paste:

• Key ID

• Key Secret

Step 3

Turn Test Mode OFF

Step 4

Click Save

🔹 METHOD 3: Custom Code (Advanced – Optional)

If your developer added Razorpay manually:

⚠️ Never put secret key in frontend JavaScript.

COMMON MISTAKES (Avoid These)

❌ Pasting test secret with live key
❌ Extra spaces while pasting
❌ Forgetting to click Save
❌ Regenerating keys but not updating WordPress

EASY MEMORY LINE

Key ID = Username
Key Secret = Password
Paste both → Save → Test