Short Answer:
Use GitHub App (Recommended) for organization-level installs (requires a GitHub owner/admin to install, lets you choose org/repos with fine-grained, revocable permissions).
Use GitHub OAuth for personal repos or org repos you already access without needing admin approval.
Prerequisites
- Open the Add connector modal (Settings > Connectors > Add connector)
Steps
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Go to Settings > Connectors and click Add connector.
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Under Connect using: review the two options:
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GitHub App (Recommended): Org-level installation, granular permissions, select specific repos/orgs; installable only by GitHub owners/admins.
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GitHub OAuth: User-authorized access to repos you personally can access; no org-wide install needed.
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Select the option that fits your needs and click Connect to start the flow.
When to choose which
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Choose GitHub App if:
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You need to connect multiple org repositories with centralized control.
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You want fine-grained permissions and easy revocation per org/repo.
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You can get a GitHub owner/admin to approve the install.
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Choose GitHub OAuth if:
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You’re connecting personal repos or a few org repos you already have access to.
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You don’t have admin rights for an org-level install.
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You need a quick, user-scoped connection.
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Troubleshooting
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Need org repos but can’t install the App
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LikelyCause: App installs require GitHub owner/admin permissions.
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Action: Ask an org owner/admin to install the App, or use OAuth for repos you already have access to.
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Note: Exact UI labels in the modal: “Connect using:”, “GitHub App (Recommended)”, “GitHub OAuth.”