diff --git a/hc/accounts/models.py b/hc/accounts/models.py
index 86802626..e3ff53b0 100644
--- a/hc/accounts/models.py
+++ b/hc/accounts/models.py
@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ class Profile(models.Model):
         emails.change_email(self.user.email, ctx)
 
     def set_api_key(self):
-        self.api_key = urlsafe_b64encode(os.urandom(24))
+        self.api_key = urlsafe_b64encode(os.urandom(24)).decode()
         self.save()
 
     def checks_from_all_teams(self):