How to Create App Connections in Make.com

In make.com, creating a connection is a required step before a module can access an external app or service. This guide walks you through the full process of adding, authorizing, and managing these connections so your scenarios can run smoothly and securely.

What a Make.com Connection Is

A connection in make.com is a secure link between your scenario and an external application or API. Modules use this link to read and write data on your behalf.

Each connection stores authorization details so you do not have to re-enter credentials every time a module runs. These details are encrypted and can be reused across multiple scenarios, depending on the connection type.

Where to Create Connections in Make.com

You usually create a connection directly from inside a module in the scenario editor. When a module needs access to an app for the first time, make.com prompts you to set up the connection.

Typical places where connection setup appears include:

• Newly added modules that require authentication
• Existing modules where no connection has been configured yet
• Modules where you change the connection type or account

Step-by-Step: Create a Connection in Make.com

Follow these general steps to create and authorize a new connection in make.com. Exact fields may vary by app, but the overall flow remains the same.

Step 1: Open the Scenario and Module

1. Log in to your make.com account.
2. Open the scenario that contains the module you want to configure, or create a new scenario.
3. Click the module bubble that should connect to the external service.

The module configuration panel will open on the right side of the screen.

Step 2: Choose the App and Operation

1. In the module panel, select the app or service you want to use (for example, a CRM, email tool, or storage service).
2. Choose the specific operation you need (such as Watch records, Create item, or Update contact).

Once you select an operation that requires authorization, the connection field becomes active.

Step 3: Open the Connection Dialog

1. Find the Connection dropdown in the module settings.
2. Click the dropdown and select Add or Add a connection.

This opens the connection dialog window, where you can define how make.com will communicate with the external app.

Step 4: Enter Connection Name and Details

In the connection dialog, you will typically see these elements:

• Connection name: A descriptive label to help you recognize the account later.
• Authentication fields: Depending on the app, this may be:
• OAuth confirmation flow in a new browser window
• API key or token
• Username and password
• Client ID and client secret

Fill out the fields carefully. Use a clear connection name, such as “Marketing Gmail – Team Account” or “Salesforce – Main Org”.

Step 5: Authorize the App

Most apps will require a one-time authorization. Common patterns include:

• OAuth authorization

1. Click the Continue or Save button in the connection dialog.
2. A new window opens, asking you to sign in to the external app.
3. Review the permissions requested by make.com.
4. Click Allow or Authorize to grant access.

• API key or token

1. Generate a key or token in the external app’s settings.
2. Paste it into the API key or token field in the connection dialog.
3. Save the connection to validate the key.

If authorization is successful, the connection is stored and linked to your module.

Step 6: Save and Test the Connection

1. Confirm the connection is selected in the module’s Connection dropdown.
2. Finish configuring the remaining module fields (such as filters, IDs, or resource names).
3. Run the scenario once or use the Run once button in the scenario editor.

Check the module’s execution details to confirm the connection works as expected and that data is retrieved or sent correctly.

Managing Existing Make.com Connections

Once a connection is in place, you can reuse or update it without recreating it from scratch.

Reusing a Connection in Make.com

To reuse an existing connection in another module:

1. Add the module for the same app to your scenario.
2. Open the module configuration panel.
3. In the Connection dropdown, choose the existing connection by its name instead of adding a new one.

This is helpful when you want multiple modules to use the same account with consistent permissions.

Editing or Updating a Connection

Depending on the app, tokens or credentials might expire or need to be replaced. To update a connection, open the connection settings, adjust the credentials, and reauthorize if necessary. If the external service revokes access, you may need to repeat the authorization flow in the connection dialog.

Best Practices for Secure Make.com Connections

When working with connections in make.com, keep these security and organization tips in mind:

• Use descriptive names so teammates can identify the correct account quickly.
• Limit permissions in the external app to only what your scenarios need.
• Rotate keys and tokens according to your organization’s security policies.
• Avoid sharing personal credentials; favor service accounts where possible.

Additional Resources

For detailed, app-specific connection instructions, see the official documentation at this make.com help page. Each connector may have unique fields and authorization steps that are described there.

If you need expert assistance designing or optimizing automation scenarios, you can explore consulting services at Consultevo, which specializes in workflow automation and integration strategies.

By following the steps in this guide and applying connection best practices, you can ensure your make.com scenarios connect reliably to the apps your business depends on.

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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