Some jobs are better handled by a service outside your site — an AI tool that writes image descriptions, for example. You connect that service once, and every plugin on your site can use it from then on.

## Before you start

- An account with the service you want to connect.
- The API key for that account — the service's own website gives you this.
- An administrator role on your site, since connectors live under settings.

## Steps

### Step 1: Open Connectors and install the service

In your dashboard, open **Settings** in the left-hand menu, then choose **Connectors**. Find the service you want in the list and click **Install** — WordPress fetches and turns on the small plugin that handles the connection for you.

![Open Connectors and install the service](https://wordpress.supportpages.io/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTExMDIsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--dd43b356a9823a53dbd98ac2281bcdcb6e999407/block_open-connectors.png)

### Step 2: Click Set up

The button on that service's card now reads **Set up**. Click it to open a small box where you can paste your key.

![Click Set up](https://wordpress.supportpages.io/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTExMDMsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--09fe97a66895708d93a0cdd37dc356ce1177af7d/block_set-up-connector.png)

### Step 3: Add your API key and save

Paste the key you copied from the service's website into the **API Key** field, then click **Save**. A **Connected** label appears on the card as soon as the key is accepted.

![Add your API key and save](https://wordpress.supportpages.io/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTExMDEsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--4d9a161434658229c91eb11a04b35a232e525677/block_enter-api-key.png)

## Good to know

- Your keys are stored in one place and shared, so another plugin that needs the same service can use them straight away.
- You can connect as many services as you like — each one keeps its own key.
- Once a service shows **Connected**, it's ready to use — plugins can start using it with no further setup.

## You're connected

Add each service once, and your whole site can use it. Everything you connect stays in **Settings** → **Connectors**, ready whenever a plugin needs it.