# Secret and redeploy

MODIFEE_SECRET is missing on Vercel, or a redeploy did not pick it up.

## Symptom

**App with login** is saved, and the widget still cannot verify clients after you connected Vercel. **Signing secret** does not show a live secret, or **Redeploy now** does not finish.

## Causes

### MODIFEE_SECRET is not on Vercel

**Confirm.** **Settings → Client access → Signing secret** says "MODIFEE_SECRET is not on Vercel yet." The section mark says "HMAC secret is not on Vercel yet". If Vercel is not connected, the line is "Vercel not connected — connect or add it manually". If nothing is linked, it is "This project is not linked to a Vercel project."

**Fix.** Connect Vercel, link the project, and press **Set MODIFEE_SECRET on Vercel**. The toast is "MODIFEE_SECRET is set on Vercel". The check then reads "MODIFEE_SECRET set on Vercel ✓". That checkmark means the variable is stored on Production, not that the current deployment loaded it. If the variable already exists, the page asks "MODIFEE_SECRET already exists on Vercel. Replace it for production and preview?" Press **Replace MODIFEE_SECRET**. See [Signing secret](https://www.modifee.com/docs/vercel/signing-secret). [MDF-VERCEL-001](https://www.modifee.com/docs/errors/MDF-VERCEL-001) when Vercel refuses the call.

### A redeploy is still required

**Confirm.** The checkmark is shown, and the banner says "Redeploy required — the secret applies on the next deployment." The longer line is "The secret is on Vercel, but it only applies on the next deployment." Clients still see "Could not verify your identity. Refresh the page and try again."

**Fix.** Press **Redeploy now**. When the latest production deployment is ready and was created at or after the push, the banner says "Deployed ✓ — the widget is live". Preview receives the variable and is not redeployed by this button. Redeploy preview from Vercel, or push a commit. See [Redeploy](https://www.modifee.com/docs/vercel/redeploy).

### Redeploy returns 403

**Confirm.** The banner switches to "Redeploy from Vercel or push a commit." and offers **Update integration permissions**. The server reason is "Missing deployment permission."

**Fix.** In Vercel, open **Integrations → modifee → Manage** and approve the update. **Deployments** must be Read and Write for redeploy. Then press **Redeploy now** again. See [Vercel integration](https://www.modifee.com/docs/vercel/integration). [MDF-VERCEL-001](https://www.modifee.com/docs/errors/MDF-VERCEL-001).

### The Vercel project is not in the list

**Confirm.** **Vercel project** does not list the site, or the note says "None of your granted Vercel projects use" the `owner/repo` name. **Refresh** does not add it.

**Fix.** On the Vercel installation page, grant that project under Project Access, then press **Refresh** in Modifee. If you link a project that does not use this repository, confirm **Link anyway**. See [Vercel integration](https://www.modifee.com/docs/vercel/integration).