# FAQ and troubleshooting

## Which credentials do I need?

[Lakehouse credentials](/docs/administration/lakehouse-credentials.md) authenticate SQL and ingestion. [Product Analytics API keys](/docs/product-analytics/authentication.md) send tracking data. MCP uses browser OAuth for one environment. Logging in to one interface does not configure the others.

## Login succeeds, but my query fails

Run `altertable profile show` and confirm the organization and environment. Run `altertable query "SELECT 1 AS connected"` to separate authentication from table access. For missing credentials, run `altertable profile configure` and use the intended environment's lakehouse credentials. See [CLI troubleshooting](/docs/lakehouse/clients/cli.md#troubleshooting).

## There is no writable catalog

List catalogs with `altertable catalog`. Create a managed destination with `altertable catalog create onboarding`, or ask an administrator for catalog access. External catalogs may be read-only. Continue with [first ingestion](/docs/getting-started/ingest-data.md).

## An append succeeded, but the table is empty

Append processing is asynchronous. Wait a few seconds, then query for the exact record you sent. Check the environment, destination, and `altertable.main.quarantined_appends` for records rejected during insertion. See [ingestion troubleshooting](/docs/lakehouse/ingest/http-api.md#troubleshooting).

## Product Analytics has events, but my test is missing

Query for the test event name and unique identity, then compare its timestamp and properties. A recent unrelated event does not verify your integration. Check the API key's environment and consent settings. See [tracking verification](/docs/product-analytics/setup.md#verification).

## My agent sees no tools or the wrong data

Reconnect MCP, finish browser authorization, and select the correct environment. For `403 insufficient_scope`, match the endpoint to the token's access tier. See [MCP troubleshooting](/docs/agents/mcp.md#troubleshooting).

## Should I build a dashboard or a data app?

Use [data apps](/docs/data-apps.md) for new interactive reporting. Existing dashboards remain available to view and edit. Use an insight for a saved query or chart.

## How much does Altertable cost?

See [current plans and the pricing calculator](/pricing), the [pricing FAQ](/pricing#pricing-faq), and [documented technical limits](/docs/administration/limits.md). Storage, compute, and AI usage are separate resources.