Connections

A connection is an authenticated link to an external app. Before you can interact with an app (read data, create records), a connection must be established that authorizes access. See Connections API Reference for the full API.

Membrane handles the full authentication lifecycle: OAuth flows, token refresh, API key storage, reconnection on failure, and credential encryption at rest.

Connecting

Create a connection to an external app. You can connect by intent — just describe what you want to connect to and Membrane finds the right app automatically.

Way to Use	How to Connect
CLI	`membrane connect --intent "CRM"`
MCP	Use the `create-connection` tool
API	`POST /connect` with `{ "intent": "CRM" }`
SDK	`membrane.connect({ intent: 'CRM' })`
Embedded UI	`membrane.ui.connect({ intent: 'CRM' })`
Console	Connections → Create Connection

Managing Connections

Listing

List all connections for the current tenant.

Way to Use	How to List
CLI	`membrane connection list`
MCP	Use the `list-connections` tool
API	`GET /connections`
SDK	`membrane.connections.find()`
Console	Connections page

Each connection includes a disconnected flag. If true, the connection needs re-authentication.

Reconnecting

When a connection is disconnected (expired token, revoked access), Membrane attempts to fix it automatically with token refresh and exponential backoff. To reconnect manually:

Way to Use	How to Reconnect
CLI	`membrane connect --connectionId <id>`
API	`POST /connect` with `{ "connectionId": "<id>" }`
SDK	`membrane.connect({ connectionId: '<id>' })`
Embedded UI	`membrane.ui.connect({ connectionId: '<id>' })`
Console	Connection → Reconnect

Deleting

Archive a connection to disconnect and remove it.

Way to Use	How to Delete
CLI	`membrane connection archive <connectionId>`
API	`DELETE /connections/<connectionId>`
SDK	`membrane.connection('<connectionId>').archive()`
Console	Connection → Archive

Lifecycle Events

Subscribe to webhook notifications for connection lifecycle events:

connection.created — connection established with credentials
connection.deleted — connection archived
connection.disconnected — connection lost access
connection.reconnected — connection restored