# Connect AWS

> Learn how to connect AWS to the CloudBolt Platform

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This guide explains how to configure AWS connections in the CloudBolt Platform to support billing functions.

You can deploy the required AWS resources as part of this connection, or connect a stack you already deployed separately (see [Configure AWS accounts](/docs/cbp/getting-started/configure-cloud-accounts/aws/)).

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**Each AWS management (billing) account requires its own connection.** A single connection covers the member accounts in that organization.
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## Prerequisites

- A CloudBolt Platform user with the **Operations** or **Admin** role. Refer to [Manage roles](/docs/cbp/getting-started/manage-organizations-users-roles/roles/).
- The AWS account prerequisites described in [Configure AWS accounts](/docs/cbp/getting-started/configure-cloud-accounts/aws/).

## Connect a new AWS account

Use this option if you haven't deployed the CloudBolt CloudFormation template. This flow opens CloudFormation in a new browser tab using your current AWS Console session, so make sure you're signed in to the AWS Console for the account you're connecting before you start.

1. Log in to the CloudBolt Platform. The address depends on where your organization's tenant is hosted; see [Sign in](/docs/cbp/getting-started/#sign-in).
1. Go to **Settings** > **Connections**.
1. In the **AWS** section, select **Add Connection**.
1. Review the **ACTION REQUIRED** dialog, then select **Got it**. See [Configure AWS accounts](/docs/cbp/getting-started/configure-cloud-accounts/aws/) for prerequisites.
1. Complete the connection details:

   | Field | Description |
   | --- | --- |
   | Connection Name | A name to identify this connection in CloudBolt. |
   | Account ID | Your 12-digit AWS management account number. |

1. Select **Deploy Stack**. CloudBolt opens the AWS CloudFormation console in a new tab, in **us-east-1**, with the CloudBolt template already loaded.
1. Complete the CloudFormation stack (stack name, S3 bucket name, deployment scope, and CloudBolt tenant region), acknowledge the required capabilities, then select **Submit**. See [CloudFormation template parameters](/docs/cbp/reference/aws-account-config/cloudformation-template-parameters/) for the full reference.
1. Return to CloudBolt. The connection appears under **Settings** > **Connections** and completes setup automatically.

## Connect a stack already deployed

If the CloudBolt template is already deployed in this account, for example if you deployed it directly in the AWS Console per [Configure AWS accounts](/docs/cbp/getting-started/configure-cloud-accounts/aws/):

1. Follow steps 1–5 above.
1. Select **Connect Existing Stack**.
1. In **Stack Name**, enter the name of the CloudFormation stack you deployed.
1. Select **Connect Existing Stack** again to confirm.

If the stack was created from an older CloudBolt template, CloudBolt reports that it needs updating and provides a link to update it in place.

## Connect a Terraform deployment

If your organization can't use CloudFormation, you can create the management-account resources with a CloudBolt-provided Terraform module and connect with **Connect Terraform Deployment**. This is a beta option, enabled on request, and it covers the management account only, so CloudFormation remains the recommended path. Refer to [AWS onboarding with Terraform](/docs/cbp/reference/aws-account-config/terraform-onboarding/).

## What happens next

Once the stack reaches `CREATE_COMPLETE`, CloudBolt finishes setup automatically:

1. Reads the stack's configuration.
1. Assumes the created cross-account IAM role.
1. Verifies the account prerequisites.
1. Creates any of the cost report exports that don't already exist.

The connection card shows progress, then displays **Connected**. If setup can't be completed, the card displays a specific error and a **Retry** action.

## Manage the connection

- **Test Connection:** Runs health checks and refreshes the status.
- **Re-Sync:** Re-reads the CloudFormation stack and creates any missing exports. Use after updating your stack, or if exports were deleted.
- **Manage:** Edit the connection **Name**. **FOCUS Bucket**, **Resource Prefix**, and **Stack Name** are read-only.

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Visit **[Manage connections](/docs/cbp/how-to-guides/manage-connections/)** to view, test, edit, or disconnect connections.
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