> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nerdit.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect an Engine

> Link your machine to the App and confirm that you can reach it.

Before linking, complete the Engine [requirements and installation](/engine/installation). Keep a terminal open on the machine where the Engine runs. To deploy your first application, use the [Engine quickstart](/engine/quickstart).

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign in">
    Open [app.nerdit.ai](https://app.nerdit.ai) and use an available sign-in method. Use the same account when you return to manage this machine.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the link panel">
    A new account opens **Link your first machine** automatically. Otherwise, open **Machines → Link a machine**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose where to start">
    Under **Link from**, choose one of the methods below. Installation instructions remain in the [Engine guide](/engine/installation); an already installed Engine only needs the link step.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="From the App">
    Select **This console · with a link code**. Run the displayed link command on your machine, replacing the example below with the code shown in your own panel:

    ```bash theme={null}
    nerdit link <LINK_CODE>
    ```

    The code is shown once and has an expiry countdown. Keep the panel open until the machine links. If you lose the code or it expires, use **New code**; a replacement invalidates the old code.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="From the machine">
    Select **The machine · nerdit link --device**, then run this on the machine:

    ```bash theme={null}
    nerdit link --device
    ```

    Open the URL printed in the terminal. Sign in, compare the fingerprint with your terminal, and select **Yes, this is my machine**. The terminal completes the connection after approval.

    <Warning>
      Approve only a request you started. The reported machine name and operating system are not verified identity. Compare the fingerprint; deny an unexpected request.
    </Warning>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Confirm the connection

Return to **Machines**. The machine should appear and become **Online**. Open its machine page, then choose **Open dashboard**. Starting from the App creates the browser session needed to access the Engine dashboard.

An online machine with no applications can show an empty service list; this is different from a failed or offline read. Continue with the [Engine quickstart](/engine/quickstart), then return to [manage applications](/app/manage-apps).

For unattended provisioning, create an [install key](/app/access-security). Bare `nerdit link` displays link status; use `--device` to begin an approval request.

If linking stalls, follow [Waiting for the machine to link](/app/troubleshooting#waiting-for-the-machine-to-link).