How to Configure Sonarr Indexers and Add Sources

This guide walks you through how to configure Sonarr indexers and add new sources so the app can find and download the TV episodes you want to track. It is written for anyone running Sonarr for the first time, or anyone who has hit a “test failed” message and wants to understand what indexers actually do and how to set them up properly.

Sonarr itself does not search the internet directly for episodes. Instead, it relies on indexers, which are search services for Usenet or torrent content, to tell it what is available. Once an indexer is connected, Sonarr can query it automatically whenever a show you are monitoring has a new episode out.

What you’ll need

• Sonarr installed and running, with access to its web interface
• An account with at least one Usenet provider or torrent tracker/indexer service
• The API key or credentials for that indexer account
• A stable internet connection, and ideally a wired or well-configured network if Sonarr runs on a NAS or home server

How to configure Sonarr indexers

1. Open the Sonarr web interface in your browser and log in if authentication has been set up (this is required by default in current versions of Sonarr).
2. Go to the Settings menu, then select the Indexers tab.
3. Click the add button, usually shown as a plus icon, to start adding a new source.
4. Choose the indexer type. Sonarr lists specific supported providers by name, and also offers generic protocol options such as Newznab (for Usenet) or Torznab (for torrent trackers) if your provider is not listed individually.
5. Give the indexer a clear, recognisable name so you can identify it later if you add several sources.
6. Enter the URL provided by your indexer or Usenet service, along with the API key from your account profile on that service. Most providers display this key on an account or API settings page once you are logged in.
7. Check the category settings for the indexer. Sonarr needs to know which categories relate to TV content so it does not pull back irrelevant results.
8. Adjust any additional options such as minimum seeders, sync profile, or search settings if the indexer type offers them.
9. Click the Test button before saving. This confirms Sonarr can reach the indexer and that your API key and URL are correct.
10. Once the test passes, click Save to add the indexer to your list.
11. Repeat the process for any additional sources you want to add, since running more than one indexer generally improves the chance of finding a release.

Setting priority and search order

1. Return to the Indexers list under Settings once you have multiple sources added.
2. Assign a priority value to each indexer if the option is available, so Sonarr knows which sources to favour when several return matching results.
3. Review your download client settings separately, since indexers only find releases, while a connected download client (Usenet client or torrent client) is what actually retrieves them.
4. Run a manual search on an existing series to confirm the new indexers are returning results as expected.

Tips and troubleshooting

• If a test fails, double check the API key first. A missing character or an expired key is the most common cause.
• Some providers restrict API access to paid or VIP account tiers. If your account is on a free tier, the API may simply not work until you upgrade, even if the key looks correct.
• Confirm the indexer URL is entered exactly as provided, including the correct protocol (http or https) and any trailing path.
• Make sure the TV categories are ticked correctly for the indexer, otherwise Sonarr may receive results that do not match what it is searching for.
• If you use a reverse proxy or run Sonarr in a container, check that outbound network access to the indexer’s domain is not blocked by a firewall.
• Keep your API keys private. Anyone with your key can potentially use your indexer account, which can affect your usage limits or account standing.
• If problems persist, check the Sonarr logs, which usually explain exactly why a connection or search failed. The Servarr wiki has detailed troubleshooting steps for common indexer errors.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Usenet indexer and a torrent indexer in Sonarr?

A Usenet indexer searches Usenet servers and requires a subscription with a Usenet provider plus an indexer account, while a torrent indexer searches torrent trackers and works with a torrent client. Sonarr can use either type, or both at once, depending on which download clients you have connected.

Why does my indexer keep failing the test in Sonarr?

This is usually caused by an incorrect or expired API key, a URL that does not match what the provider issued, or an account tier that does not include API access. Checking the account page on the provider’s own site is the fastest way to confirm your key is current and valid.

How many indexers should I add to Sonarr?

There is no fixed number, but adding more than one improves your odds of finding a release, since not every indexer catalogues the same content. Many users run a small handful of indexers with different priorities set in Sonarr.

Do I need a download client as well as an indexer?

Yes. An indexer only helps Sonarr find and identify available releases. A separate download client, whether Usenet-based or torrent-based, is what actually retrieves the files once Sonarr has located them.