Fishbowl Advanced - How do I connect via API Authentication?

Prerequisites

• An active Fishbowl Advanced installation (server running and reachable)
• A Fishbowl user account with admin access
• Your Fishbowl server URL, including port if applicable

Setup Steps

Step 1: Locate Your Fishbowl Server URL

1. Confirm the address of the machine running your Fishbowl Advanced server.
2. Verify the URL resolves from a browser or API client. A 404 or timeout at this stage means the address is wrong, and the connection will fail later.
3. Note the URL exactly as it will be entered in Makini Link.

❗️Important: An incorrect or unreachable server URL is the most common cause of failed Fishbowl connections. Double-check it before proceeding.

Step 2: Submit Your Credentials in Makini Link

1. In the Makini Link connection interface, select Fishbowl from the list.
2. Enter your Server URL, Username, and Password.
3. Click Connect.

This first submission will not connect yet. It registers Makini as a pending Integrated App inside your Fishbowl server. That is expected.

Step 3: Approve Makini in Fishbowl

1. Open the Fishbowl Advanced client and log in as an administrator.
2. Go to Settings → Integrated Apps.
3. Locate the pending Makini app request.
4. Initiate and approve the integration.

Fishbowl requires this one-time approval before any integrated application can access the API. Fishbowl's own walkthrough is here: Integrated Apps tab

Step 4: Submit Your Credentials Again

1. Return to Makini Link.
2. Enter the same Server URL, Username, and Password.
3. Click Connect.

With the app approved in Fishbowl, this second submission completes the connection.

If you encounter any issues during this process, contact support@makini.io.

Connection Verification

After completing the setup, Makini Link will attempt to establish a connection with your Fishbowl Advanced server. A successful connection will be indicated in the Makini Link dashboard and you will be issued a respective API token.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Connection Failure

• Verify the server URL is correct and reachable. A 404 response means the address does not point to a running Fishbowl server.
• Confirm the username and password are correct. Fishbowl credentials are case-sensitive.
• Ensure the Fishbowl server is running and accessible from your network. On-premises installations may require firewall or VPN configuration to allow the connection.

"Integrated application has not been approved" Error

• This means Step 3 was skipped or incomplete. Open Fishbowl, go to Settings → Integrated Apps, approve Makini, then submit your credentials again.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• If the connecting Fishbowl user has MFA enabled, the login may require additional steps. Contact support@makini.io and we will help you complete the connection.

Permission Errors

• Confirm the connecting user has admin access or belongs to a user group with the required API permissions.

Need Additional Help?

If you continue to experience issues with your Fishbowl Advanced connection, please contact Makini support at support@makini.io

Additional Resources

• Fishbowl Advanced Settings: Integrated Apps
• Fishbowl Advanced REST API Documentation
• Makini Documentation