> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://nango.dev/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Meilisearch - How do I link my account?

# Overview

To authenticate with Meilisearch, you will need:

1. **Instance URL** - The base URL of your Meilisearch instance
2. **API Key** - A Meilisearch API key (not the master key)

This guide walks you through finding each of these values.

### Prerequisites

* A [Meilisearch Cloud](https://cloud.meilisearch.com) project, or a self-hosted Meilisearch instance launched with a master key

### Instructions

#### Step 1: Find your instance URL

**Meilisearch Cloud**

1. Sign in to [Meilisearch Cloud](https://cloud.meilisearch.com).
2. Select your project.
3. Copy the **Database URL** shown in the project overview, e.g. `https://ms-1a2b3c4d5e6f.meilisearch.io`.

**Self-hosted**

Use the URL your instance listens on, including the scheme, e.g. `https://search.example.com` or `http://localhost:7700`. Do not add a trailing slash.

#### Step 2: Get an API key

<Warning>
  Do not use the master key. The master key grants full control of the instance, cannot sign tenant tokens, and should never leave your infrastructure.
</Warning>

**Meilisearch Cloud**

1. In your project, open the **Settings** tab and select **API keys**.
2. Copy the **Default Admin API Key** (full read/write on documents and indexes), or create a custom key scoped to the actions you need.

**Self-hosted**

List the auto-generated keys with your master key:

```bash theme={null}
curl "http://localhost:7700/keys" -H "Authorization: Bearer <MASTER-KEY>"
```

Copy the `key` value of the **Default Admin API Key**, or [create a custom key](https://www.meilisearch.com/docs/reference/api/keys#create-a-key) restricted to specific actions and indexes.

<Note>
  A custom key needs the actions your use case requires (e.g. `search`, `documents.*`, `tasks.get`), plus `version` for connection verification. Include `keys.get` if you plan to generate [tenant tokens](https://www.meilisearch.com/docs/learn/security/basic_security) without providing the key uid manually.
</Note>

#### Step 3: Enter credentials in the Connect UI

1. Open the form where you need to authenticate with Meilisearch.
2. Enter your **Instance URL** and **API Key** in their respective fields.
3. Submit the form to connect your instance.