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Hetzner API Token

NightOps requires a Hetzner Cloud API token to manage your servers.

Create an API Token​

Step 1: Create a Project (if needed)​

Hetzner API tokens are scoped to a project:

  1. Log in to Hetzner Cloud Console
  2. Select your project (or create a new one)

Step 2: Generate Token​

  1. Go to Security → API Tokens
  2. Click Generate API Token
  3. Configure the token:
    • Description: NightOps Integration
    • Permissions: Select Read & Write
  4. Click Generate API Token
  5. Copy the token immediately — it won't be shown again

Step 3: Add to NightOps​

  1. Log in to your NightOps dashboard
  2. Go to Providers → Add Provider → Hetzner
  3. Paste your API token
  4. Click Test Connection
  5. Click Save Provider

Required Permissions​

NightOps requires Read & Write permissions:

PermissionPurpose
ReadList servers, check status
WritePower off/on servers

Multiple Projects​

If you have servers in multiple Hetzner projects:

  1. Generate a token for each project
  2. Add each as a separate provider in NightOps
  3. Name them clearly (e.g., "Hetzner - Production", "Hetzner - Staging")

Token Security​

Best Practices​

  1. Create a dedicated token — Don't reuse tokens from other integrations
  2. Use project isolation — Separate production and staging into different projects
  3. Audit regularly — Review API token list and remove unused tokens

Token Rotation​

To rotate your token:

  1. Generate a new token in Hetzner Cloud Console
  2. Update the token in NightOps (Settings → Providers → Edit)
  3. Test the connection
  4. Delete the old token in Hetzner

Troubleshooting​

"Invalid Token"​

  1. Verify the token was copied completely
  2. Check the token is for the correct project
  3. Ensure Read & Write permissions are enabled

"Server Not Found"​

  1. Confirm the server is in the same project as the token
  2. Check the server hasn't been deleted

Rate Limiting​

Hetzner's API rate limit is 3,600 requests/hour. NightOps operations stay well within this limit.

Next Steps​