Mobile App Authentication: Sign-In Methods Overview
The Seaty mobile app offers multiple authentication methods to accommodate different user types and use cases. Whether you're a customer purchasing tickets, an event staff member managing attendees, or setting up a door scanning device, there's an appropriate sign-in method for your needs.
At its simplest, authentication answers one question: How do I securely access my Seaty account?
Who uses this: All Seaty users - customers, event staff, organisers, and administrators.
Key capabilities:
- Sign in with email and a security code sent to your inbox
- Use Apple, Google, or Microsoft accounts for one-tap access
- Set up shared scanning devices with organisation passcodes
- Switch between multiple accounts without re-entering credentials
- Stay signed in for up to 12 months
How It Works
At a glance: Choose a sign-in method, verify your identity, and access your account securely across both the mobile app and web dashboard.
1. Choose your sign-in method
Select the authentication method that suits your situation. Customers and staff typically use email or social sign-in, while shared scanning devices use organisation-specific passcodes.
2. Verify your identity
Each method verifies you differently - email sends a security code, social sign-in uses your existing account, and device sign-in uses an organisation passcode.
3. Access your account
Once verified, you're signed in and can access features based on your account type - customer features, staff tools, or scanning capabilities.
4. Stay signed in
Your sign-in remains active for 12 months, and you can switch between accounts quickly if you have multiple.
Think of it this way:
- Personal sign-in (email, Apple, Google, Microsoft) gives you full access to your own tickets and features
- Staff sign-in is the same as personal, but your administrator has granted you additional permissions
- Device sign-in is for shared tablets at venue doors - limited to scanning tickets only
Available Sign-In Methods
Email Sign-In
Traditional email-based authentication with a six-digit security code sent to your email address. Best for customers and event organisers who want secure access to their account.
Use when:
- You're a ticket purchaser or event organiser
- You want full access to all app features
- You need to manage multiple events or organisations
Why the security code? Even if someone knows your password, they cannot access your account without also having access to your email inbox. This protects your tickets, payment methods, and personal information.
Apple Sign-In
One-tap authentication using your Apple ID credentials. The app automatically detects if Apple Sign-In is available on your device.
Use when:
- You're on an iPhone or iPad with iOS 13 or later
- You want quick, secure authentication without creating a password
- You prefer using your Apple ID
Google Sign-In
Sign in using your existing Google account credentials.
Use when:
- You have a Google account
- You want quick access without creating new credentials
- You're already signed in to Google on your device
Microsoft Sign-In
Sign in using your Microsoft account (Office 365, Outlook, etc.).
Use when:
- You use Microsoft services
- Your organisation uses Office 365 or Microsoft accounts
- You prefer Microsoft's sign-in system
Device Sign-In
Special authentication for shared scanning devices at event doors. Uses organisation-specific passcodes rather than personal accounts.
Use when:
- You're setting up a door scanning device
- Multiple staff members share one scanning device
- You don't want personal credentials on shared hardware
Why separate device credentials? Shared scanning devices at venue doors should never have access to personal customer data or financial information. Device credentials provide just enough access to scan tickets for assigned events while maintaining customer privacy.
Security Features
Security Codes
When signing in with email, you'll receive a six-digit security code via email. This code must be entered within 20 minutes of request.
Why 20 minutes? This provides enough time to check your email while ensuring codes can't be used if intercepted much later.
Staying Signed In
Your sign-in remains active for 12 months from the date you signed in. After 12 months, you'll need to sign in again.
Why 12 months? This provides a balance between security and convenience. You won't need to sign in frequently, but your account automatically requires re-verification if unused for an extended period.
Device-Specific Security
Device sign-in uses organisation-specific passcodes configured by event administrators. These can be changed regularly and don't provide access to personal user data.
Switching Between Accounts
The Seaty app remembers accounts you've previously signed in with. When you sign in again, you'll see a list of existing accounts to choose from, allowing quick switching without re-entering credentials.
Why account switching exists? Many event staff members manage multiple organisations or have both personal customer accounts and staff accounts. Quick switching eliminates the need to remember multiple passwords or repeatedly sign in.
Permissions and Access Levels
Different account types provide different access levels:
- Customer accounts (email, Apple, Google, Microsoft): Full access to ticket purchasing, event browsing, and personal ticket management
- Staff and admin accounts: Additional access to event management, order viewing, and attendance tracking based on assigned permissions
- Device accounts: Limited to scanning tickets for assigned events with minimal event information visibility
When to Use Each Method
For Customers:
- Use email, Apple, Google, or Microsoft sign-in
- All methods provide full access to customer features
- Choose based on your preferred sign-in provider
For Event Staff:
- Use email, Apple, Google, or Microsoft sign-in with your staff account
- Additional features unlock based on your assigned permissions
- Contact your organisation administrator for permission changes
For Door Scanning:
- Use device sign-in for shared tablets at venue doors
- Devices only see events they're assigned to scan
- No personal customer data is accessible
Mobile and Web
Your sign-in works across both the mobile app and web dashboard. However, device sign-in is mobile-specific as scanning hardware typically uses tablets or mobile devices.
Explore Authentication
Browse the topics below to learn more about authentication in the Seaty mobile app.
Email Sign-In
Sign in with email and password
Device Sign-In
Sign in with a shared device
Permissions
User permissions and access control
Common Questions
Security Codes
I didn't receive my security code - what should I do? Check your spam or junk folder. The code is valid for 20 minutes from when you requested it. If you still don't see it after a few minutes, request a new code.
How long is my security code valid? Security codes expire after 20 minutes. If your code has expired, simply request a new one from the sign-in screen.
Account Access
My account appears locked or inactive - what happened? Accounts may be temporarily suspended for security reasons or if there are payment issues. Contact support@seaty.co.uk to resolve this.
I'm seeing "Unauthorised" errors - what does this mean? Your sign-in has expired after 12 months. Simply sign in again to continue using the app. Your previous account details will be saved for quick sign-in.
Device Sign-In
The device passcode isn't working - what should I check? Verify you're using the correct organisation tag and passcode. These are configured in the web dashboard by organisation administrators. Contact your event organiser if credentials don't work.
Can I use my personal account on a shared scanning device? You can, but it's not recommended. Device sign-in is designed specifically for shared hardware and provides only the access needed for scanning, protecting your personal information.
General
Can I be signed in on multiple devices at once? Yes, you can sign in on multiple devices simultaneously. Each device maintains its own sign-in session.
Will I lose my saved accounts if I uninstall the app? Yes, uninstalling the app removes locally saved account information. You'll need to sign in again after reinstalling.
Need help? Contact support@seaty.co.uk for assistance with authentication issues.