> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.whalesync.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.whalesync.com/connectors/airtable/personal-access-tokens.md).

# Connect with a personal access token

Connect Airtable with a personal access token instead of signing in. The seven scopes and base access the token needs, and how to fix token errors.

Signing in to Airtable is the default way to connect it to Whalesync. A personal access token is an alternative if you run many syncs, prefer not to sign in, or are setting up a sync through the [API](https://docs.whalesync.com/api/reference.md) or [MCP server](https://docs.whalesync.com/api/mcp.md) and need a credential to hand over.

A token differs from signing in in four ways:

* Airtable limits how many times one account can authorize Whalesync by signing in. Each sync uses one authorization, so accounts with many syncs hit the limit. A token can back any number of syncs.
* It does not expire.
* It reaches only the bases you add to it in Airtable.
* It can be pasted into the API or given to an agent. A sign-in has to happen in a browser.

## Create the token

1. Go to [airtable.com/create/tokens](https://airtable.com/create/tokens) and click **Create new token**.
2. Name it `Whalesync`.
3. Add every scope listed below.
4. Under **Access**, add every base you will sync, or the whole workspace.
5. Click **Create token** and copy it. Airtable shows it only once.

### Scopes

All seven scopes are required.

| Scope | Why Whalesync needs it |
| --- | --- |
| `data.records:read` | Read records from your tables. |
| `data.records:write` | Create, update, and delete records during sync. |
| `data.recordComments:read` | Read record comments. |
| `data.recordComments:write` | Write record comments. |
| `schema.bases:read` | Read the tables and fields in your bases. |
| `schema.bases:write` | Create tables and fields in Airtable when you ask for them. |
| `webhook:manage` | Register webhooks so changes in Airtable sync right away. |

### Access

A base left off the token does not appear in Whalesync's base picker. Reauthorizing with a token that misses a base the connection already syncs is refused.

If you expect to add bases later, give the token access to the whole workspace.

## Paste the token into Whalesync

1. In the connect step, choose **Use a personal access token instead**.

![The Connect with Airtable dialog, with the personal access token link below the sign-in prompt](https://docs.whalesync.com/_astro/airtable-connect-use-personal-access-token.C-JJ7trI_2FKJa.webp)

2. Paste the token and click **Authorize**.
3. Pick the base to sync.

A connection keeps its method. To switch between token and sign-in, create a new connection.

## Errors

| Message | What to do |
| --- | --- |
| Airtable did not accept this personal access token | The token was copied wrong or revoked. Copy it again, or create a new one. |
| This token is missing a scope Whalesync needs | Create a new token with all seven scopes above. Scopes can't be added to an existing token. |
| This token does not have access to a base this connection syncs | In Airtable, edit the token and add the missing base under **Access**. |

## Revoking the token

Deleting the token in Airtable stops every sync using it until you [reconnect](https://docs.whalesync.com/resources/support/reconnecting-a-sync.md) with a new token.