Okta API Validation Failed Error Invalid Property Name
Mar 19, 2026
Administration
Okta Classic Engine
Okta Identity Engine
Overview
This article addresses an error that occurs when adding a new attribute in the profile editor. The following error is displayed:
Api validation failed: invalid property name. Property name should only have alphanumeric characters and underscores. It should not start with a digit.
Applies To
- Custom attributes
- Multi-valued Attributes
- Profile Editor
- Universal Directory
- Attribute Names
- Okta Identity Engine (OIE)
- Okta Classic Engine
Cause
This error occurs if a schema reference (for example, user:<variable_name>) or special characters (other than underscores) are entered in the Variable name field. This field is intended to accept only the variable name, not the full schema reference.
Solution
To resolve this issue, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Navigate to Directory > Profile editor.
- Locate the affected application or directory and select the Profile option.
- Select the pencil icon to modify the attribute.
- In the Variable name field, remove any schema references (such as
user:) or special characters. - Ensure the Variable name contains only alphanumeric characters and underscores, and does not start with a digit.
