Connecting GitHub to Your Organization

Helm ADE integrates with GitHub through a GitHub App installation, providing secure access to your organization's repositories. This article explains how to connect GitHub at the organization level and manage the connection.

Overview

When you connect GitHub to your Helm organization:

• Helm installs a GitHub App on your GitHub organization
• You control exactly which repositories Helm can access
• All members of your Helm org can use connected repos for projects
• Repository access is managed through GitHub's native App permissions

Who Can Connect GitHub

Only organization Owners and Admins can:

• Initiate the GitHub connection
• Update repository access permissions
• Disconnect GitHub from the organization

Members and Viewers can view the connection status but cannot modify it.

Connecting GitHub

Step 1: Navigate to Organization Settings

Open Helm ADE and ensure you're in the correct organization

Click on Organization Settings in the sidebar or header

Find the GitHub section

Step 2: Start the Connection Flow

Click the Connect GitHub button

A new browser tab opens to GitHub's App installation page

Sign in to GitHub if prompted

Step 3: Install the GitHub App

Select your GitHub organization from the list

Choose which repositories Helm can access:

- All repositories - Access all current and future repos - Only select repositories - Choose specific repos to grant access

Click Install to complete the installation

Step 4: Confirm the Connection

After installation, you'll be redirected back to Helm. The connection status will show:

• Connected status badge
• The GitHub organization name and avatar
• The date the connection was established

Managing Repository Access

Repository access is managed through GitHub's native interface:

Go to your GitHub organization settings

Navigate to Installed GitHub Apps

Find the Helm ADE app and click Configure

Update repository access as needed

Changes to repository access take effect immediately in Helm.

Disconnecting GitHub

To remove the GitHub connection:

Navigate to Organization Settings > GitHub

Click the Disconnect button

Confirm the disconnection when prompted

What Happens When You Disconnect

• Existing project-to-repo bindings become inactive
• Clone operations will fail for affected projects
• You can reconnect at any time to restore access

Note: Disconnecting from Helm does not uninstall the GitHub App. To fully remove the app, also uninstall it from your GitHub organization settings.

Connection Status

The connection can be in one of these states:

Status	Description
Not Connected	No GitHub App installed for this org
Connected	GitHub App is installed and working
Expired	The installation token has expired (re-authenticate)
Revoked	The App was uninstalled from GitHub

Troubleshooting

"Connect GitHub" button doesn't work

• Ensure you have Owner or Admin role in the Helm organization
• Check that pop-up blockers aren't preventing the GitHub window from opening
• Try using a different browser if issues persist

Connection shows "Expired" status

The GitHub App installation token needs to be refreshed:

Click Reconnect (or disconnect and connect again)

Complete the GitHub authorization flow

Repositories aren't showing up

If you just added repositories to the GitHub App:

Wait a few moments for the change to propagate

Refresh the Helm page

Check that repositories are properly configured in the GitHub App settings

"Unauthorized" error (403)

You need Owner or Admin role to manage the GitHub connection. Contact your organization admin if you need elevated permissions.

Security Considerations

• Least privilege: Only grant access to repositories your team needs
• Regular audits: Review connected repositories periodically
• Revoke if compromised: Disconnect immediately if you suspect unauthorized access
• Installation tokens: Helm uses short-lived installation tokens, not personal access tokens

Related Topics

• Project GitHub Repo Binding - Bind projects to repos
• Organization and Project Switching - Navigate your workspace