> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.use.observer/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Password-protect a status page

> Require visitors to enter a password before the page renders.

Status pages run in `public` access mode by default. The `password`
mode requires a shared password before the page renders. Use it for
internal-only or partner-only views that do not need per-customer
scoping.

Requires a Starter plan or higher.

## Steps

**1. Switch the page to password mode**

Open the page in the console, then **Access**. Set:

* **Mode**: **Password**.
* **Password**: a shared secret you will distribute to authorised
  visitors.

Save. The page now redirects unauthenticated visitors to an unlock
form.

**2. Distribute the password**

Share the password through the channel that already gates access
to the audience (e.g. a partner portal, an internal wiki, a signed
email).

**3. Rotate the password**

Open the page's access settings and update the password. Existing
unlock cookies invalidate at rotation, and visitors must re-enter
the new password.

## Behaviour

* The unlock cookie is named `observer-page-access-<page-id>`.
* The cookie is signed against the current password hash. Rotating
  the password invalidates outstanding cookies.
* Cookie lifetime is one hour. After expiry, visitors re-enter the
  password.

> [!NOTE]
>
> **When to use a stronger mode**
>
> Passwords are appropriate for low-stakes gating. To give each
> viewer their own sign-in that you can revoke per person, use
> [sign-in protected pages](https://docs.use.observer/docs/guides/sign-in-protected-pages.md)
> (Google, Microsoft, or your own identity provider). For
> per-customer views or signed JWT access, use
> [JWT-scoped access](https://docs.use.observer/docs/guides/jwt-scoped-access.md) or
> [customer-scoped pages](https://docs.use.observer/docs/guides/customer-scoped-pages.md).


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