An add-on refuses to turn on: the three blockers (key, sign-in, Node.js)

You flipped the switch on an add-on and it refused to turn on. The app always tells you why with a short note. This article covers the three notes you will see and exactly where each fix lives.

Blocker 1: "Add its key first (on the Connections tab)"

Most add-ons (Apollo, Hunter.io, Telegram, HighLevel CRM, Mago CRM, GitHub, Netlify, OpenAI images, ElevenLabs voice) run on a key you paste once. If the key is missing, the add-on will not turn on until you add it.

1. Open the Connections tab.
2. Find the card for the service (for example Apollo or Telegram).
3. Click Paste key. The app can open the provider's key page for you, so you do not have to hunt for it.
4. Paste the key. It is saved encrypted on your computer, and you will only ever see a masked preview of it.
5. Go back and switch the add-on on. It should turn on now.

Blocker 2: "Sign in to Microsoft first (on its card)"

The Microsoft 365 add-on (Outlook, Teams) does not use a pasted key. It uses a Microsoft sign-in with a short device code, so no password ever touches the app. If you have not signed in yet, the add-on refuses with the note Sign in to Microsoft first (on its card), then switch it on.

1. Find the Microsoft 365 card.
2. Start the sign-in. You get a short code to enter on microsoft.com/devicelogin.
3. Once signed in, switch the add-on on.

Blocker 3: "This one needs the free Node.js tool installed first (nodejs.org)"

The Stripe and PayPal add-ons need a free helper tool called Node.js on your computer. If it is missing, you will see this note.

1. Go to nodejs.org and download the installer for your computer.
2. Run it with the default options. It is free.
3. Come back and switch the add-on on again.

Good to know

• Every add-on starts with read access only, and anything it writes goes through the Draft flow so you approve it first. You can widen this later on Settings -> Permissions.
• If a saved key can no longer be unlocked on this machine (for example after a computer or password change), the tool is quietly left out of Otto's runs rather than running half-broken. The fix is the same as Blocker 1: click Remove key on its Connections card, then Paste key again.

Still stuck? Email bookedsolid@kivimedia.freshdesk.com and a person will help.