# Ask visitors for an access code

> Add a simple shared code that visitors type before they can chat, and share a link with the code built in.

Source: https://www.chirpbuilder.com/help/publishing/access-code  
Plans: Essentials, Creator, Business, Academy  
Last checked: 2026-10-27

When you're done, visitors need your code to chat with the Chirp.

**Who can do this:** the account owner on any plan, and workspace admins and editors.

## Add a code

1. In the editor, under **8. Sharing**, type a code in **Access code (optional)** (1).
2. Click **Save**. The code works straight away, with no publishing.
3. Share the code with the people you want. Or click **Copy link with code** (2) for a link that opens
   the chat without asking.

![The Sharing section with BASIL typed in the Access code (optional) box (1) and the Copy link with code button (2).](https://mjmtbasmrtksluvlnema.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/help-media/web-optimized/publishing/access-code/SS-PUB-015-01__access-code-setting__essentials__desktop__v01.webp?v=d50dbef6f8)

To remove the code, empty the box and click **Save**.

## What visitors see

"This Chirp needs an access code." They type it and click **Continue**.

![Garden Helper's public page asking for a code: This Chirp needs an access code, an Access code box and a Continue button.](https://mjmtbasmrtksluvlnema.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/help-media/web-optimized/publishing/access-code/SS-PUB-015-02__access-code-prompt__essentials__desktop__v01.webp?v=e42878e5ca)

- The code must match exactly, capital letters included. Spaces at either end don't matter.
- Their browser remembers it for that address, so they aren't asked again there. On your own domain or in
  another browser, they're asked once more.
- After 10 wrong tries from the same internet connection in one clock hour: "Too many attempts, try again
  later". Until the next hour starts, even the right code is refused.
- If you change the code, everyone is asked for the new one on their next message.
- It works in a chat on your website too: see [Put a Chirp on your website](https://www.chirpbuilder.com/help/publishing/embed).

You're asked too when you open the public page. The preview in the editor never asks.

## It's not a password

Anyone who has the code, or a link with the code in it, can chat. For a real password, invitations or an
email sign-in, see [Who can open a Chirp](https://www.chirpbuilder.com/help/publishing/who-can-open) (Creator, Business and Academy). While one of
those is on, the access code isn't used.