How to Connect an External API to Lovable

To connect an external API to Lovable, first check whether a connector exists. If not, use the appropriate custom integration and store private keys as secrets. Ask Lovable to call the API from server-side code, validate inputs and display useful errors. Never place a private API key in browser code.

What you need

You need the service’s official API documentation, an account with the provider and, where required, an API key or authorization method. For a project, Join Lovable. Test with non-sensitive data first.

1. Define the exact job

State what data you need and when: “Show tomorrow’s forecast for a saved city”, not “connect weather”. Check usage limits, costs and terms in the provider documentation.

2. Choose the connection method

Use an existing connector when available. If each app user must authorize their own account, ask for user-level OAuth. If one workspace-owned credential is appropriate, keep it in Lovable’s secure secrets or connector settings.

3. Implement on the server

Connect this app to the weather API documented at [official documentation URL]. Use an existing connector if one exists; otherwise store the API key as a secret. Call the API only from server-side code. Validate the city input, return a clear error for provider failures, avoid exposing the key and show the provider’s status in development logs.

Replace the bracketed text with the real documentation link before sending.

4. Verify behaviour

Request valid data and confirm it matches the provider. Try an invalid input, a missing record and a temporary network failure. Inspect the browser bundle and network calls to make sure private credentials are not visible.

FAQs

Why does it work locally but fail when published?

Check the published environment has the required secret, allowed callback URLs and compatible server runtime.

Can I call any API from the browser?

Public APIs designed for browser use may be fine. Private keys and privileged operations belong on the server.

Should I cache results?

Possibly, if the provider’s terms permit it and stale data is acceptable.

Official sources and next steps

Read Lovable API integrations and Secrets, plus the external provider’s own API documentation.