> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.rockapi.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to recharge your Rock API balance with Alipay

> A buyer guide showing how to add prepaid balance to Rock API with Alipay before subscribing to APIs or sending production requests.

# How to recharge your Rock API balance with Alipay

Rock API uses prepaid balance for API calls and subscriptions. This guide follows the RockAPI video, [How to recharge with Alipay](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER8kS0T9z6s), and turns the Alipay recharge workflow into written steps.

<iframe width="100%" height="405" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ER8kS0T9z6s" title="How to recharge with Alipay" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen />

*Last updated: July 6, 2026*

## When to use Alipay recharge

Use Alipay recharge when you want to add prepaid balance before testing an API, subscribing to an OpenAPI service, or moving model traffic into production. Keeping balance available helps avoid failed calls caused by insufficient funds.

| Goal             | What to confirm                                   |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| Add balance      | Account, recharge amount, and payment method      |
| Pay with Alipay  | QR code, Alipay account, and payment confirmation |
| Start using APIs | Updated balance, active subscription, and API key |

## Before you start

Make sure you have:

* A Rock API account.
* Access to your Rock API dashboard.
* An Alipay account or an Alipay app that can scan a payment QR code.
* A recharge amount that matches your expected testing or production usage.

## Step 1: Open the billing area

Sign in to the Rock API dashboard and open the billing or balance area. This is where you can see your current prepaid balance and start a new recharge.

Before you continue, confirm that you are using the correct Rock API account. If your team has separate test and production accounts, recharge the account that will send the requests.

## Step 2: Start a recharge

Choose the option to add balance or recharge. Enter the amount you want to add, then review the currency, payable amount, and any payment instructions shown on the page.

For a first test, use an amount that is enough to validate the workflow and make a few API calls. For production, estimate traffic from expected request volume, model pricing, and subscription needs.

## Step 3: Choose Alipay

Select Alipay as the payment method. The dashboard should show an Alipay payment flow, usually with a QR code or a redirect that opens Alipay.

If more than one payment option appears, choose the one that clearly indicates Alipay. Do not complete payment until the amount and account are correct.

## Step 4: Pay in Alipay

Open Alipay and scan the QR code, or continue through the Alipay page opened from the dashboard. Confirm the payment details in Alipay, then complete the payment.

After payment succeeds, return to the Rock API dashboard. Some payments update immediately. If the balance does not refresh at once, reload the billing page and check the payment status again.

## Step 5: Verify your balance

Confirm that the Rock API balance increased by the expected amount. Save the payment record if your team tracks API spend internally.

After the balance is available, you can:

* Subscribe to an OpenAPI service.
* Test an API request online.
* Generate or use an API key for model calls.
* Monitor balance usage from the dashboard.

For the next workflow, read [how to subscribe to and test an OpenAPI online](/blog/buyers/how-to-subscribe-and-test-openapi).

## Troubleshooting

| Issue                                        | What to check                                                                |
| -------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| The QR code expired                          | Start a new recharge and scan the new code                                   |
| Payment succeeded but balance did not update | Refresh the billing page and check the payment status                        |
| The amount is wrong                          | Cancel before paying and create a new recharge                               |
| The wrong account was recharged              | Keep the payment record and contact support from the correct account context |
| API calls still fail                         | Check balance, subscription status, API key, and request authorization       |

## Recharge checklist

* You are signed in to the correct Rock API account.
* The recharge amount matches your intended usage.
* Alipay is selected before payment.
* The payment amount in Alipay matches the dashboard.
* The Rock API balance updates after payment.
* You know which API subscription or model calls will use the balance.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need to recharge before calling an API?

Rock API uses prepaid balance, so you need enough balance before paid API calls or subscriptions can run reliably.

### Can I use Alipay for production API usage?

Yes. Add enough balance for your expected usage, then monitor spend in the dashboard so production traffic does not stop unexpectedly.

### What should I do if the payment succeeds but the balance is not visible?

Refresh the billing page and check the payment status. If the balance still does not appear, keep the Alipay payment record and contact support with the Rock API account you used.

### What should I do after recharge?

If you are buying an OpenAPI service, follow [Subscribe to and test an OpenAPI online](/blog/buyers/how-to-subscribe-and-test-openapi). If you are using AI model APIs, review [Pricing and billing](/pricing-and-billing) and [Authentication](/authentication).