Overview
Data Connectors are the different outlets you can pull data from and put data into besides just importing a file from your computer or exporting a report to your email.
Element451 distinguishes between connector-level problems (which disable the connector) and task-level problems (which fail only that individual import or export). See Troubleshooting below.
Accessing Data Connectors
To access your Data Connectors, navigate to Data + Automations > Import + Export > Connectors.
Types of Data Connectors
SFTP
Google Drive
Dropbox
Adding + Managing Data Connectors
Adding Data Connectors
Navigate to Data + Automations > Import + Export.
In the left-hand menu, select "Connectors."
Click the "Create Connector" button in the top right corner of the header.
Select which type of connector you wish to connect: Dropbox, Google Drive, or SFTP.
For Dropbox and Google, you will proceed through the authentication process that allows Element451 to connect with the 3rd party platform.
For SFTP, you will be prompted to provide the necessary credentials.
Editing + Deleting Data Connectors
Navigate to Data + Automations > Import + Export.
In the left-hand menu, select "Connectors."
From the Connectors list, locate the one you wish to delete.
Click the More (⋮) icon at the end of that connector's row.
Select either Edit or Delete, based on your need.
Special Notes on Google Drive
Deleting Google Drive Connector / Revoking Access
To revoke Drive access, delete the Google connector here in Import + Export. If you remove access directly from your Google account, it will disconnect all Element451 integrations—including calendar access in Appointments, if that's also connected.
Troubleshooting
When a Connector Turns Off
A connector is only automatically disabled when Element451 can't connect to the third-party account at all. Common causes:
The account's password was changed, or the connection was revoked from the Google, Dropbox, or SFTP side
The refresh token has expired and can no longer renew automatically
SFTP credentials, host key, or private key are no longer valid
If the connector turns off, you'll see an error icon next to the connector in the Connectors list — hover the icon to view the specific error message. You'll also find the explanation in the connector's details view. To restore it, open the connector, re-authenticate (Google Drive / Dropbox) or update the credentials (SFTP), and save.
When a Task Fails but the Connector Stays On
If an individual import or export fails—but your connector is still active—the issue is almost always with a specific file or folder, not the connection itself. Common causes:
The folder or file isn't shared with the connected account
The file was moved, renamed, or deleted
A temporary network error or rate limit (these will retry automatically)
The SFTP path doesn't exist or the user lacks permission to that directory
Check the task's status under Data + Automations > Import + Export > Tasks to see the specific error. The connector itself does not need to be reconnected.
"This app is blocked" Error (Google Drive)
If you see the error message "This app is blocked" when attempting to add a Google Drive Import + Export Connector, it is typically due to a misconfiguration of Google's OAuth settings within your institution's Google Workspace. Check out this article for assistance in troubleshooting.