> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help-center-starter-replace-template-content.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Authentication for private docs

> Restrict access to your docs site with password protection, SSO, or JWT tokens.

By default, Mintlify sites are publicly accessible. If your docs contain sensitive information — internal APIs, private playbooks, or unreleased product documentation — you can restrict access.

## Password protection

The simplest option: set a password in **Project Settings → Authentication → Password**. Anyone visiting the site must enter the password before seeing any content.

Password protection is available on Growth and Enterprise plans.

## SSO (SAML)

Connect your identity provider so readers must sign in with their company credentials. Available on Enterprise plans.

1. Go to **Project Settings → Authentication → SSO**.
2. Provide your IdP's metadata URL or XML.
3. Map the required attributes (email, name).
4. Enable SSO enforcement.

Readers who aren't authenticated are redirected to your IdP's login page.

## JWT tokens

For tighter integration with your own authentication system, Mintlify supports JWT-based authentication. Your backend generates a signed JWT that grants access to specific docs sections.

This approach lets you:

* Show different content to different user tiers.
* Gate specific sections of your docs behind feature flags or subscription levels.
* Integrate with your own login system without requiring a separate IdP connection.

See the [Mintlify authentication documentation](https://mintlify.com/docs) for JWT format requirements and example implementations.

<Info>
  All authentication options require the Growth or Enterprise plan. Starter sites are always publicly accessible.
</Info>