How to Add Your First App in Make.com

In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to add and configure your first app in make.com, connect it to a scenario, and manage different types of connections safely and efficiently.

Understanding Apps and Connections in Make.com

Before you add your first app, it helps to understand how apps and connections work in make.com. Apps let you connect external services, while connections define how those services are authenticated and used in scenarios.

Each module that requires access to an external service must use a connection. The same connection can often be reused across multiple modules in the same or different scenarios.

Preparing to Add an App in Make.com

Adding an app in make.com is done when you configure a module inside a scenario. You do not install apps globally first; instead, you add them contextually to each scenario as needed.

Before starting, make sure you:

• Know which external service or API you want to use.
• Have login credentials or API keys ready.
• Understand whether you are connecting a personal or company account.

Step-by-Step: Add Your First App in Make.com

Follow these steps to add your first app and create a connection in make.com.

Step 1: Open or Create a Scenario in Make.com

1. Log in to your make.com account.
2. Open an existing scenario or create a new scenario from your dashboard.
3. In the Scenario editor, click the plus icon to add a new module.

The module selector will appear, showing a list of available apps.

Step 2: Choose the App You Want to Add

1. Browse or search for the app you want to integrate, such as a CRM, spreadsheet tool, or email service.
2. Select the app from the list to open the list of available actions or triggers.
3. Choose the specific module (for example, “Create Record” or “Watch Events”).

Once the module is added to the scenario canvas, a configuration panel opens on the right side.

Step 3: Create a New Connection

If the app has not been connected before in make.com, you must create a new connection.

1. In the module configuration panel, locate the Connection field.
2. Click Add or Create a connection.
3. A dialog opens prompting you to authenticate or supply credentials.

The exact steps depend on the app’s authentication method.

Common Connection Types in Make.com

Different apps in make.com use different connection methods. The platform supports several standard patterns.

OAuth 2.0 Connections

Many popular cloud services use OAuth 2.0. In this case:

1. Click Continue or Sign in in the connection dialog.
2. You are redirected to the service’s login page.
3. Log in and grant access to make.com.
4. When redirected back, the connection is stored and can be reused in other modules.

API Key or Token-Based Connections

Some apps require an API key or token:

1. Generate the key or token in the external service’s settings.
2. Paste the key or token into the corresponding field in the make.com connection dialog.
3. Optionally provide a descriptive connection name, for example, “Production CRM API”.
4. Save the connection to use it across scenarios.

Username and Password Connections

Certain services still rely on basic credentials:

• Enter your username or email.
• Enter your password or app-specific password.
• Confirm and save to make the connection available to modules.

Configuring Modules After Connecting in Make.com

Once the connection is created, return to the module configuration in your make.com scenario.

1. Select the connection you just created from the Connection dropdown.
2. Configure required fields such as resource IDs, folders, or endpoints.
3. Set any optional filters, limits, or advanced settings available in the module.

When configuration is complete, you can run the scenario once to test that the module and connection are working correctly.

Reusing and Managing Connections in Make.com

Connections are reusable resources in make.com, which means you do not have to create a new connection every time you add a module for the same service.

Reusing an Existing Connection

To reuse an existing connection when adding another module:

1. Add a new module for the same app in your scenario.
2. In the module configuration, open the Connection list.
3. Choose the existing connection name instead of creating a new one.

This approach keeps your workspace cleaner and reduces maintenance time.

Renaming or Removing Connections

You can manage connections from the make.com interface:

• Open the connection management area from your profile or organization settings.
• Locate the connection you want to change.
• Rename it for clarity, for example, to distinguish sandbox from production.
• Remove unused or obsolete connections to maintain security.

Security and Best Practices for Make.com Connections

Every connection in make.com grants access to data or operations in external systems, so it is important to handle them responsibly.

• Use separate connections for production and testing environments.
• Limit access to sensitive apps to appropriate team members only.
• Rotate API keys and tokens regularly where possible.
• Revoke connections immediately if an account is compromised.

Troubleshooting App Connections in Make.com

When an app in make.com does not behave as expected, the issue is often related to the connection.

• Check the error message in the scenario run details.
• Verify that your credentials, API key, or token are still valid.
• Confirm that the external service has not changed permissions or scopes.
• Re-authenticate the connection if the service requires renewed consent.

If problems persist, you can consult the official documentation for the specific app or review the platform help at this Make.com help article.

Next Steps After Adding an App in Make.com

After creating your first app connection in make.com, you can extend your scenario by:

• Adding additional modules for the same app to perform more actions.
• Connecting other apps to build multi-step automations.
• Using filters and routers to create complex workflows.

To learn more about automation strategy and optimization, you can explore resources from specialized consultants such as Consultevo, which offers guidance on workflow design and integration best practices.

By following these steps and best practices, you can confidently add your first app in make.com, set up secure connections, and build scalable scenarios that automate your business processes.

Need Help With Make.com?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your Make scenarios, work with ConsultEvo — certified workflow and automation specialists.

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