> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.scaleflex.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.scaleflex.com/portals/viewing-a-portal/signing-in.md).

# Signing in

How visitors get into a Portal — and what they see on the way.

A private Portal shows visitors a set of system pages before its content. Every Portal has them already; you decide which are used through the [access settings](/portals/portal-settings/access.md), and you can restyle them all at once.

## The pages

| Page                   | What a visitor does                                                                        |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Sign in**            | Enters their email and password. Can choose **Keep me signed in**, or **Forgot password?** |
| **Sign in as a guest** | Enters the Portal's shared password phrase, when one is set.                               |
| **Request access**     | Asks for an account — email, first name, last name.                                        |
| **Registration**       | Creates an account — the above plus a password, with a strength meter.                     |
| **Request sent**       | Confirms the request went in: *We'll reach out to you by email soon.*                      |
| **Check your inbox**   | Asks them to validate their email to finish registering.                                   |
| **Reset password**     | Sets a new password from the link in the reset email.                                      |
| **Enter your code**    | Enters a six-digit code, when multi-factor verification is on.                             |
| **Age verification**   | Enters a date of birth, when the age gate is on.                                           |
| **Login help**         | A page of questions and answers about getting in.                                          |

Every secondary page carries **Back to login**, and the header holds the **language switcher** — so someone can read the sign-in page in their own language before they have an account.

## Signing in with a Google account

If you've turned on [Google login](/portals/portal-settings/authentication.md), a **Sign in with Google** option appears alongside the password form. Visitors can still use a password — it's an additional way in, not a replacement.

## The look of these pages

The system pages share one design, chosen once for the Portal rather than page by page. The layouts range from a plain centred form to a form beside a branding panel, or over a background image.

Changing it in the builder changes all of them together — the variant switcher there is labelled *Applies to all 9 login system pages*.

## Good to know

* A visitor who registers when **Require approval** is on waits for someone to approve them; they are told their request was sent rather than let in.
* Registration can require accepting your [Terms & Conditions](/portals/building-a-portal/pages/system-pages/registration/terms-and-conditions.md) before it will submit.
* Passwords must meet the strength rules shown under the field as the visitor types.