Apps
Connect external services so workflows and agents can read, write, and take actions with your accounts.
Apps are the services Automate can work with, such as email, calendars, CRMs, storage, and business systems. You connect an app once, then use that connection in workflow steps or agent tools.
Open Apps under Connect.
In this guide
| Topic | Start here |
|---|---|
| Connect your own account to an app | Connect an app account |
| Understand admin-provided accounts | Managed connections |
| Connect MCP accounts for agents | MCP |
What an app connection does
An app connection lets Automate call an external service with permission. For example:
- A workflow can read a new email, create a ticket, or update a spreadsheet.
- An agent can use a tool that searches a CRM or sends a message.
- A template or imported workflow can ask you to reconnect apps before it runs.
The connection belongs to an app, but each workflow step or agent tool still decides how it is used.
Two kinds of access
| Access type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Connect Your Accounts | You sign in or provide credentials for your own account |
| Managed Connections | An administrator has configured the connection and granted access to users or workspaces |
Managed connections are useful when a team should share one approved account, such as a support mailbox or company CRM connection.
When you need an app connection
You usually need a connection when:
- A workflow step shows Connection or Select a connection.
- An agent tool says an app account is missing.
- A template or imported workflow opens with missing app configuration.
- Dynamic option lists are empty until you choose a connection.
Safe connection habits
- Use clear connection names, such as
Finance GmailorSalesforce - EU. - Do not connect personal accounts for shared production workflows unless your team has approved that pattern.
- Reconnect an app when a workflow starts failing because the token expired.
- Delete old personal connections you no longer use.