sitdraw

How to install and use Tabnine in VS Code: sign up, completions, chat

Install Tabnine in VS Code from the official docs, sign in, enable completions and chat, and check privacy settings.

To use Tabnine for inline completions and chat in VS Code, finish four jobs: install the Marketplace extension, sign in through Tabnine Hub, verify completions and Chat, then review privacy and remote sign-in.

Follow docs.tabnine.com instead of guessing extension names. The queries are Tabnine VS Code install, Tabnine sign up, and Tabnine privacy settings.

HubSign-in and settings
TabAccept a completion
ChatAsk about code

SaaS vs Enterprise first

Tabnine SaaS (individual / Pro)

Search Tabnine in the Marketplace (publisher Tabnine), install, then use Register / Sign in in the Hub. Most solo developers take this path.

Tabnine Enterprise (private)

Your admin sends an invite or private Server URL. Install the Tabnine Enterprise extension, sign in with work email or SSO, and do not mix a personal SaaS account into company repos.

CapabilityCompletionsChat
TriggerGray suggestions while you typeTabnine Chat from Hub or Command Palette
VerifyPause in a function, press Tab to acceptSelect code, ask what it does; answer should use context
PlanStarter has daily completion caps; Pro raises limitsSome Chat features need Pro; check the Hub

Install, sign in, completions, chat

  1. 01
    Install the VS Code extension

    Extensions view → search Tabnine → Install → restart VS Code. The status bar should show the Tabnine icon. Enterprise users install Tabnine Enterprise and confirm the admin Server URL.

  2. 02
    Register or sign in

    Click the Tabnine status-bar icon → Hub → Register / Sign in. Individuals use email, Google, or GitHub. For a company invite, accept in the browser first, then sign in with work email.

  3. 03
    Verify inline completions

    Open a .ts or .py file, type a common pattern (e.g. function fetch), pause 1–2 seconds for gray text. Press Tab to accept. If nothing appears, confirm Hub shows you signed in and the extension is enabled.

  4. 04
    Open Chat and review privacy

    Launch Tabnine Chat from the Command Palette or Hub and ask about a selection. In Hub Settings / Privacy read the plan and data notes. Official policy is no-train-no-retain: your code is not used for training and is not retained long-term. Remote hosts: Tabnine: Sign in using auth token.

# Remote SSH / WSL without a local browser:
# Command Palette → Tabnine: Sign in using auth token
# Open tabnine.com in a browser → copy token → paste in VS Code
Extension installed but no completions?
Confirm you are signed in inside the Hub, the extension is enabled, and the file type is supported. Starter free tier has daily completion caps; wait for reset or upgrade to Pro.
My company asked for Tabnine Enterprise?
Your org uses a private Tabnine Server or Enterprise SaaS. Accept the admin invite, install the Enterprise extension, sign in with work email or SSO. Do not blend a personal Tabnine account into company policy.
Does Tabnine train on my private code?
Official privacy docs state no-train-no-retain: customer code is not used for training and is not retained long-term. Enterprise private deployments keep inference inside your infrastructure. Still map this to your security review.
Does install replace an architecture review board?
No. This is an editor assistant. When the meeting is the same module diagram, open sitdraw.

Sign in to the Hub before blaming slow completions

Most “Tabnine does nothing” cases are an installed extension with no activated account. Wait until the status icon is active and the Hub shows your username, then test inline suggestions.

Start the picture