Anonymous Mode for Read-Only SSO Users

Anonymous Mode lets read-only SSO users access your Knowledge Base without creating HelpDocs user accounts. This keeps them out of your billing and user management while still providing secure access through your identity provider.

It's perfect for teams that want SSO security without the overhead of managing individual user accounts in HelpDocs.

Why Use Anonymous Mode?

Anonymous Mode offers several advantages for teams using SSO:

• Reduced billing—read-only users won't count toward your user limit
• Simplified user management—no need to see or manage these users in HelpDocs Settings
• Permission control—still works with your existing Permission Groups sent from your identity provider
• Secure access—users still authenticate through your SSO but don't create permanent accounts

Requirements

Before enabling Anonymous Mode you'll need:

• An active SAML or OpenID Connect SSO connection
• A HelpDocs plan that includes this feature
• Read-only users authenticating through your identity provider

Enabling Anonymous Mode

Here's how to configure Anonymous Mode for your read-only SSO users:

1. Head to Settings > Access > Options
2. Find the "Create user accounts for Read Only users" checkbox

   

3. Uncheck this option to enable Anonymous Mode
4. Click Save Changes

When this setting is unchecked, read-only users who log in through SSO won't have HelpDocs user accounts created. When it's checked, all SSO users—including read-only ones—will have accounts created.

Important Considerations

Keep these points in mind when using Anonymous Mode:

• This setting applies to both SAML and OpenID Connect if you have both configured
• Users with higher permission levels (Writer, Editor, etc.) will still get HelpDocs accounts created
• Permission Groups from your identity provider will still work for anonymous read-only users
• Anonymous users won't appear in your user management dashboard