--- title: "Connector Search" slug: "connector-search" tags: ["Connector Search", "AI Assistant"] updated: 2026-02-02T17:09:36Z published: 2026-02-02T17:09:36Z canonical: "docs.thrivelearning.com/connector-search" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.thrivelearning.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Connector Search **Connector Search** gives Thrive users a single, intelligent way to find information across all their connected content platforms. Instead of jumping between Google Drive, SharePoint, Box, or other storage tools, users can now search everything at once – directly through the [AI Assistant](/v1/docs/kiki-thrives-ai-sidekick). This unified experience breaks down content silos, delivers faster access to trusted information, and makes knowledge discovery seamless across your organisation. ## Before You Begin - Only one administrator can initiate and manage the configuration for each connector. - Once configured, that same administrator is responsible for maintaining the connection. - Any file or folder you sync becomes accessible to the AI Assistant and may be referenced in answers for all users on your Thrive platform. > [!WARNING] > Important: > > We strongly recommend creating a Service User in your third-party file storage tool. > > When configuring Connector Search, administrators are given the option to sync all files accessible to their account in the third-party storage tool. By creating a service user – an account with access only to the specific files or folders you intentionally want the AI Assistant to use – you ensure: > > - **Tighter control over synced content:** Only files shared with the service user will be indexed by the AI Assistant. > - **Reduced risk of oversharing:** Prevents accidental syncing of sensitive, personal, or internal-only admin files. ## Setting up Connector Search ### Start the Connector Setup 1. From the Thrive menu, go to **Configure** > **AI features** and scroll down to **Connector Search**. 2. On the connector for the third-party platform you want to pull files from, click **Connect & Sync Files**. ![Connect your AI Assistant to Google Drive and SharePoint for file access and management.](https://cdn.document360.io/3a0609fb-d96c-4ce1-aabe-d9338fb1e858/Images/Documentation/image(475).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-05T17%3A38%3A48Z&se=2026-11-05T18%3A38%3A48Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2FhxmL3wwQRs%2BV4O6MvLjBHGHGHmNuugfqXJWv2Am%2BdM%3D) 3. Once you initiate the connection process, a modal will appear prompting you to enter your authorisation credentials for the third-party platform. This grants Merge (the integration tooling used by Thrive) permission to access the files you choose to sync. You can authenticate using your own credentials, or you can create a dedicated Service User profile with the third-party tool, the approach. recommended by Thrive and Merge. ![Connecting Google Drive to an AI assistant for file access and data privacy notice.](https://cdn.document360.io/3a0609fb-d96c-4ce1-aabe-d9338fb1e858/Images/Documentation/image(478).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-05T17%3A38%3A48Z&se=2026-11-05T18%3A38%3A48Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2FhxmL3wwQRs%2BV4O6MvLjBHGHGHmNuugfqXJWv2Am%2BdM%3D) 4. Click **Open window** in the Merge window to be redirected to the authorisation process for your chosen provider – in this instance, **Google Drive**. 5. If you’re happy to proceed, follow the steps in the new modal to log in and provide the required consent. Once access is granted, you’ll be returned to Thrive to continue the process. ![Google Drive connection success message with options to connect and sync files.](https://cdn.document360.io/3a0609fb-d96c-4ce1-aabe-d9338fb1e858/Images/Documentation/image(477).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-05T17%3A38%3A48Z&se=2026-11-05T18%3A38%3A48Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2FhxmL3wwQRs%2BV4O6MvLjBHGHGHmNuugfqXJWv2Am%2BdM%3D) ### Select the Files to Sync 1. Once you’ve authorised the third-party provider, we’ll begin the file-selection process. After a successful connection, a new file picker modal will appear, allowing you to browse and select folders from your library. 2. You’ll be given the option to sync specific folders or to share your entire file library. > [!WARNING] > Important: > > We strongly advise against syncing your full library, as large volumes of files can significantly increase processing time and may delay the availability of content within the AI Assistant. To help prevent accidental bulk syncing, a file-volume limit is also in place. Once connected, the folders you select will begin processing and, after a short period, will become accessible to the AI Assistant. Their contents may be referenced in answers, with citations linking learners directly to the original files in the third-party tool. > [!NOTE] > Note: > > Ensure you only sync content that you are comfortable making available to all users of the AI Assistant across your organisation’s Thrive platform. You can update or change your selected folders at any time. After a folder is synced, any edits, deletions, or newly added files will be automatically processed by Merge and, in turn, reflected in your AI Assistant’s responses. ### Thrive Prepares Your Content 1. After choosing your files or folders through the modal, you’ll see a summary of everything selected. Review this carefully. > [!WARNING] > Important: > > Any file or folder you select becomes available to the AI Assistant and can be referenced in answers for all users across your organisation. Double-check that you are happy for each item to be included. You can return to this modal at any time to update or adjust your selections. Once your choices are confirmed, Thrive will begin processing the content so it can be used effectively by the AI Assistant. This involves securely preparing and organising the documents in a way the AI Assistant can understand. This step may take some time depending on the number and size of the files selected. 2. You can update or remove the files you’ve shared with the Assistant at any time. If you are the administrator who set up the initial sync, return to the configuration modal in the **AI configuration** screen to make any changes. ![Google Drive interface showing connection options for AI assistant and synced files.](https://cdn.document360.io/3a0609fb-d96c-4ce1-aabe-d9338fb1e858/Images/Documentation/image(479).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-05T17%3A38%3A48Z&se=2026-11-05T18%3A38%3A48Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2FhxmL3wwQRs%2BV4O6MvLjBHGHGHmNuugfqXJWv2Am%2BdM%3D) As noted earlier, only the administrator who originally configured the connector has permission to make changes to its settings. This ensures a single, controlled point of management for the integration. If any other super admin user navigates to this configuration area, they will not be able to adjust the setup. Instead, they will see the informational message shown below, indicating that they do not have access to manage this connector’s configuration. ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Connector Search?

Connector Search lets you find information across all your connected content platforms (e.g., Google Drive, SharePoint, Box) in a single search through the Thrive AI Assistant. It removes content silos and makes it faster to discover the information you need.

Who can set up a connector?

Only one administrator can initiate, configure, and manage each connector. Once configured, only that same admin can update or change its settings. Get in contact with us if you want to change who is managing a connector.

Why is using a Service User recommended?

A Service User ensures that only intentionally shared files are synced. This prevents accidental syncing of sensitive or personal files and keeps control tight over what becomes accessible to the AI Assistant.

What files become searchable by the AI Assistant?

PDFs, Documents, Rich Text Files and PowerPoint presentations.

How long does it take for files to become available in the Assistant?

Processing time varies depending on the number and size of files selected. Most connectors begin syncing shortly after configuration, but large folder structures may take longer.

Will changes to my files sync automatically?

Yes. After a folder has been synced, edits, deletions, and new files are automatically picked up and reflected in the AI Assistant’s responses once processed.

What if I am a Super Admin but can’t edit the connector settings?

Only the administrator who set up the connector has permission to manage it. Other Super Admins can view the setup but cannot modify it.