> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-5.x/configure-cortex-xdr/cortex-xdr-data-sources/administration-and-troubleshooting/integrations/add-an-integration-instance.md).

# Add an integration instance

Manage and troubleshoot Cortex XDR data integrations.

To use a downloaded integration, you must configure an integration instance.

Before you begin:

* Content packs containing integrations are downloaded when you adopt playbooks and configure playbook tasks. The content pack must be downloaded before you can configure an integration instance.
* Consider whether you want to add credentials, which enable you to save login information without exposing usernames, passwords, certificates, and SSH keys. For more information, see [Manage credentials](/cortex-xdr-5.x/configure-cortex-xdr/cortex-xdr-data-sources/administration-and-troubleshooting/integrations/manage-credentials.md).
* Although you can view integration documentation when adding an instance, [https://xsoar.pan.dev/](https://xsoar.pan.dev/docs/reference/index) has more detailed information about integrations, including commands, outputs, and recommended permissions.

1. Navigate to **Settings** → **Data Sources & Integrations** and search for the integration for which you want to add an instance.
2. Select the integration and click **Add Instance**.
3. Add the parameters as required.
4. (Optional) To check that the integration instance is working correctly, click **Test**.
5. **Save & Exit**.

   You can expand the integration to see more details about the integration instance, enable or disable the integration instance, and copy the instance.

   If you encounter an error, see [Troubleshoot Integrations](/cortex-xdr-5.x/configure-cortex-xdr/cortex-xdr-data-sources/administration-and-troubleshooting/integrations/troubleshoot-integrations.md).
6. By default, the integration instance is used whenever the integration is called. If you want to only use the integration instance when specified with the `using` argument in a playbook or the CLI, change the integration instance setting from **Always** to **On Demand**. For example, you might have two instances of an integration and want to use one instance as the default and the other instance only for manual testing on demand.


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