LightVela

How Do I Activate My First Hermes Instance?

Summary

Creating your first Hermes instance goes like this: sign in with Google or GitHub, choose an available plan, activate it under the current plan rules, let the platform create the instance automatically, then use Web Chat; connect a channel when you want to use a messaging app. Everything happens in the browser — no servers to buy, nothing to deploy locally. A Hermes instance is the cloud runtime your agent lives in, and once created it stays online 24/7. After it is ready, open My Agent to use Daily → Chat, then configure a model, messaging channel, or Skills as needed; if you do not have your own model API key yet, you can start talking right away using the model credits included with your plan.

A Hermes instance is the cloud runtime where your LightVela Agent lives. Activating your first instance follows five steps: sign in with Google or GitHub → select an available plan → activate it through the current activation flow → let LightVela provision the instance → start in Web Chat, then connect a channel if needed. Everything happens in the browser, with no server purchase or local deployment required. This page walks through the process in order.

What this page covers

  • The complete process for activating your first Hermes instance

  • Prerequisites and important details for each step

  • How to configure and use your Agent after activation

Prerequisites

  • A Google or GitHub account

  • A currently available plan selected from the Subscribe page; the international site does not require China real-name verification

  • A Telegram, WhatsApp, Discord, Slack, or WeChat account only if you plan to use that messaging app

Activation flow

1. Sign in with Google or GitHub

Open LightVela and authorize access with Google or GitHub. Your LightVela account is created automatically the first time you sign in, so there is no separate password to set. Continue using the same sign-in identity on future visits to access the same Hermes instances and data.

2. Select an available plan on the Subscribe page

Open the Subscribe page to see which plans and quotas are currently available. Plans describes the Launch and Cruise resource structure, but the Subscribe page is authoritative for what can be activated now.

There is no China real-name verification step on the international site. After signing in with Google or GitHub, you can select any currently available plan.

3. Activate the plan through the current international activation flow

Choose an available plan on the Subscribe page and follow the plan card to activate it. Check the page for current introductory offers and prices.

4. Let LightVela provision the instance automatically

After the plan is activated, LightVela automatically assigns a dedicated cloud environment and creates your first Hermes instance. You do not need to buy, deploy, or configure a server. Provisioning normally begins immediately, and you can open the console when the instance is ready.

5. Configure and wake up your Agent

Once the instance is ready, open the console and complete the basic setup:

  1. Check the model — Available plan credits let you begin without your own API key; see Configure Models if needed

  2. Try Web Chat — Start a conversation under Daily → Chat and send a message; see Chat

  3. Connect a channel if needed — Add Telegram, WhatsApp, Discord, or WeChat to use the Bot in a messaging app

  4. Optionally add skills and scheduled tasks — See Configure Scheduled Tasks

Your first Hermes Agent is now ready to stay online in the cloud 24/7.

FAQ

How soon can I use the instance after activation?

LightVela starts provisioning the Hermes instance automatically after plan activation. Once the Bot is ready and plan credits are available or a model is configured, send a message in Daily → Chat. Connect an external channel later if needed.

Where can I check current plans and offers?

Check the Subscribe page and Plans for current plan terms, introductory offers, and renewal rules.

How many Hermes instances can one account activate?

The number depends on the Agent allowance of the selected plan. Launch and Cruise each include one Agent. See Plans.

Do I need to maintain a server after activation?

No. Your Hermes instance runs in a LightVela-managed cloud environment. LightVela handles operations and 24/7 availability; you only configure the Agent through the web console.

Next steps

  • Quickstart — Follow the complete onboarding flow

  • Plans — Compare the available plan structure

  • Core Concepts — Understand Hermes, models, channels, and skills

  • Configure Models — Choose the underlying model for your Agent

Last updated 2026-09-27

Credits

Learn how LightVela model credits are allocated, consumed by token usage, and related to plans and models.

Configuration Overview

Review the LightVela console configuration flow.

On this page

SummaryWhat this page coversPrerequisitesActivation flow1. Sign in with Google or GitHub2. Select an available plan on the Subscribe page3. Activate the plan through the current international activation flow4. Let LightVela provision the instance automatically5. Configure and wake up your AgentFAQHow soon can I use the instance after activation?Where can I check current plans and offers?How many Hermes instances can one account activate?Do I need to maintain a server after activation?Next steps