Connect your first Meilisearch instance

This guide walks you through adding your first Meilisearch server to AdminDex. Once connected, you'll be able to browse documents, edit settings, manage API keys, and view tasks for that instance.

Before you start

• You need an AdminDex account. If you don't have one yet, sign up for free — no card required.
• Your Meilisearch server must be reachable over HTTP or HTTPS from AdminDex's backend. If it's on a private network, you'll need to expose it (with proper firewall rules) or run AdminDex inside the same network.
• You need the server's master key or a key with admin scope. We use this key to call the Meilisearch HTTP API on your behalf.

Steps

1. From the dashboard, click Add instance in the top right.
2. Enter a friendly Name. This is just for your own reference inside AdminDex — pick something like production, staging, or the project name.
3. Enter the URL of your Meilisearch server, including the protocol and port. Examples: https://search.example.com, http://meilisearch:7700, or http://localhost:7700.
4. Paste your admin key into the key field. We verify the connection before saving — if the URL or key is wrong, you'll see an error and the form won't submit.
5. Click Save. AdminDex makes a test call to GET /version using the key. If it succeeds, the instance is added and you're redirected to its dashboard.

What happens next

The new instance appears on your dashboard with a Connected badge. Click it to open the instance dashboard, where you can browse indexes, edit settings, manage API keys, and view tasks. Your admin key is encrypted at rest immediately after the test call — see how AdminDex encrypts your admin keys for the details.

Limitations

• Free plan: 1 instance maximum. Upgrade to Starter for 3, Pro for 10, or Agency for unlimited.
• Meilisearch version: we test against v1.10 and newer. Older versions may work for browse and settings but the API key manager assumes the v1.10+ key schema.