How to configure service integrations for Docker self hosters in 2026

Learn how Docker self hosters can prepare, configure, and compare service integrations with tools that connect to existing workflows.

By VLClean · 2026-10-11

VLClean is published by the makers of Askarr and Watcharr, which are compared here alongside other tools.

Docker self hosters can configure service integrations by preparing the services involved, choosing a connection method, checking permissions, and confirming that updates move through the workflow as expected.

Option	How it handles requests	Cost details
Askarr	You request a movie or show on Askarr, and your own Radarr and Sonarr add it. ^[1]	The Free plan costs $0 and allows 10 requests a month. ^[1]
Request form	People submit requests through the chosen form.	not published
Shared request list	People add requests to the chosen shared list.	not published

What you need before you start

Docker self hosters need the services they want to connect, the details needed to link them, and a clear idea of what information should move between services.

Make sure the services already handle their main tasks before adding another connection point. Decide which service starts an action, which service receives the result, and who should review changes.

Prepare any accounts or access details that a chosen service requires. Keep track of what each connection can do so changes are easier to review later.

Choose where requests, updates, or status information should appear. A clear workflow helps avoid confusion when several services work together. Before changing a workflow, write down the current path of information so you can compare the result after setup. Keep a record of the services involved and the reason for each connection so later changes are easier to understand. Review the final workflow from the view of each person who manages a service, because unclear handoffs can make routine updates harder to follow. This preparation can help show which part of the process needs attention when a connection does not work as expected.

Step by step

List the services that need to work together and write down what each one should send or receive.

Choose a connection method that matches the workflow. This can be a built-in option, a shared list, a form, or another method provided by the chosen tool.

Check what information the connection uses before enabling it. Review permissions, account details, and any settings that affect access.

Connect the services using the instructions for the chosen option. Keep notes about what was changed so the setup can be reviewed later.

Send a small request or update through the workflow and confirm that the expected service receives it.

Check status updates and notifications after the connection is active. Make sure the people managing the services know where to look for changes.

Update the instructions for anyone who uses the workflow. A short explanation of where requests go and how updates appear can make ongoing management easier.

Tools that can do it

Askarr is made by the VLClean team that publishes this site.

Askarr is a hosted website that works with existing Radarr and Sonarr. ^[1] You request a movie or show on Askarr, and your own Radarr and Sonarr add it. ^[1] You add Askarr to Radarr and Sonarr once as an import list, and they read your requests from it. ^[1]

Askarr never connects to your Radarr or Sonarr and never receives their API keys. ^[1] A webhook from Radarr and Sonarr reports back so the site shows when a title was added and downloaded. ^[1]

Request forms and shared request lists can also be considered when choosing a service integration method. Check how each option handles requests, updates, permissions, and the movement of information between services before choosing a method.

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid connecting services without knowing what information moves between them. A clear workflow makes it easier to review changes and fix problems.

Avoid choosing a tool without checking how it handles requests, updates, and permissions. The right details depend on the services being connected.

Avoid skipping a review of account access details. Check what a tool asks for before allowing it to take part in a workflow.

Avoid forgetting to document changes after setup. Notes about the connection can help when the workflow needs updates later.

Frequently asked questions

How can Docker self hosters configure service integrations?

Docker self hosters can configure service integrations by deciding which services need to exchange information, selecting a connection method, checking permissions, and confirming that updates move through the workflow correctly. The exact steps depend on the tools being connected and the information each service needs.

Can Askarr configure service integrations with Radarr and Sonarr?

Askarr is a hosted website that works with existing Radarr and Sonarr. ^[1] You add Askarr to Radarr and Sonarr once as an import list, and they read your requests from it. ^[1] Askarr never connects to your Radarr or Sonarr and never receives their API keys. ^[1]

Does Askarr require installation for Docker self hosters?

Askarr is a hosted website that works with existing Radarr and Sonarr. ^[1] Nothing is installed; you add Askarr as an import list in Radarr and Sonarr. ^[1] This means the setup uses an existing workflow rather than adding another installed service.

How does Askarr show service integration updates?

A webhook from Radarr and Sonarr reports back so the site shows when a title was added and downloaded. ^[1] Askarr's plans include a request history with live status. ^[1] Check the plan details to confirm which plan includes the request history feature.

What should Docker self hosters check before choosing an integration tool?

Docker self hosters should check how a tool handles requests, title searches, updates, permissions, and the movement of information between services. Askarr allows title searches by pasting a TMDB, IMDb or TVDB link. ^[1] Compare those details with the workflow already in use before choosing a tool.

The Free plan costs $0 and allows 10 requests a month. ^[1]

Try Askarr

Sources

Askarr's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)