Blink supports several ways for your users to sign in. From the Authentication section of the admin portal, you select which method your organization uses - and you can change it at any time.
What authentication methods does Blink support? Blink offers five sign-in methods: Email/SMS code (OTP), Password, SAML single sign-on (SSO), Microsoft 365 SSO, and Google SSO. You set the active method from Authentication in the Blink admin portal. SAML SSO requires a Pro or Enterprise plan - all other methods are available on every plan.
✅ Why the right authentication method matters
• Reduces sign-in friction for frontline workers who don't manage passwords
• Identity provider options (SAML, Microsoft 365, Google) mean one fewer credential to manage
• Switching methods requires users to take action - choosing carefully upfront avoids disruption
⚠️ Organization Admins only. Only Organization Admins can configure authentication settings in the Blink admin portal.
🔢 What is the Email/SMS code (OTP) method?
When a user signs in, Blink sends a 6-digit one-time passcode (OTP) to their email address or phone number via SMS. The user enters this code to access their account.
OTP codes look like 123-456 and expire after a short time
Users who sign in with a phone number always receive an OTP via SMS, regardless of which authentication method is set
No password to forget - well suited to frontline workers on shared devices
🔐 What is the Password method?
Users sign in with a password they create when they first register for Blink.
Password requirements: 6-10 characters, a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, and at least one number
If a user forgets their password, an Organization Admin can send a password reset link from that user's profile in the admin portal
🏢 What is SAML single sign-on (SSO)?
When SAML is enabled, users sign in by entering their work email address. Blink authenticates them through your organization's identity provider - no separate Blink password required. Supports Microsoft Entra ID, Google Workspace, and any SAML 2.0-compliant provider.
📖 Ready to configure SAML? See How to set up SAML SSO for the full setup guide.
🪟 What is Microsoft 365 SSO?
When Microsoft 365 SSO is enabled, users see a Sign in with Microsoft button when registering or signing back in to Blink. Clicking it opens the Microsoft 365 sign-in page. Once authenticated, they are signed in to Blink.
🔵 What is Google SSO?
When Google SSO is enabled, users see a Sign in with Google button when registering or signing back in to Blink. Clicking it opens the Google sign-in page. Once authenticated, they are signed in to Blink.
⚠️ How do I switch authentication methods?
Go to Admin portal > Authentication, select the new method, and click Save changes. The change takes effect the next time users sign in - existing sessions are not immediately affected.
Switching from Email/SMS code to Password requires preparation. Once the change is made, users can no longer sign in with a 6-digit code. They must use a password instead.
Before switching, ensure all users have set a Blink password
Users without a password will need to go through the password reset flow to regain access
You can prompt users to set passwords in advance by sending a password reset link from each user's profile in the admin portal
🔒 SAML SSO requires a Pro or Enterprise plan. Email/SMS code, Password, Microsoft 365 SSO, and Google SSO are available on all plans. Contact your account manager to upgrade.
❓ FAQs
Can I have more than one authentication method active at the same time?
Can I have more than one authentication method active at the same time?
No. Blink uses one active authentication method at a time, set in the admin portal. All users in your organization use the same method.
Do users who sign in with a phone number use the same authentication method as email users?
Do users who sign in with a phone number use the same authentication method as email users?
No. Users who sign in with a phone number always receive a one-time passcode (OTP) via SMS, regardless of the authentication method set in the admin portal. The method setting only applies to email-based sign-in.
Which plan do I need for SAML SSO?
Which plan do I need for SAML SSO?
SAML SSO requires a Pro or Enterprise plan. All other authentication methods - Email/SMS code, Password, Microsoft 365 SSO, and Google SSO - are available on all plans. Contact your account manager if you want to enable SAML on Core.
What happens if I switch to Password and some users don't have a password yet?
What happens if I switch to Password and some users don't have a password yet?
Those users will not be able to sign in until they set a password. They can do this via the password reset flow. To avoid this, send password reset emails to all users from the admin portal before switching - this lets users set their password in advance.
🚀 What's next?
Now you know what's available, here's where to go next:
Configure SAML SSO - How to set up SAML SSO
Help users sign in - Signing in to Blink
Troubleshoot sign-in issues - Problems signing in to Blink
Manage OTP delivery - OTP sign-in codes not reaching users (admin)