Authentication

LoanX uses Clerk authentication service to provide secure, flexible sign-in options. This guide covers all authentication methods, account management, and troubleshooting common login issues.

Overview

LoanX supports multiple authentication strategies to accommodate different organizational requirements and user preferences. All authentication is handled securely through industry-standard protocols.

Supported Sign-In Methods

• Google Authentication (OAuth 2.0)
• Microsoft Authentication (Azure AD/Office 365)
• Apple ID Sign-In (iOS native)
• Email Authentication (with OTP verification)

Sign-In Methods

Google Authentication

Sign in using your Google account credentials.

When to Use:

• You have a Google account (Gmail, Google Workspace)
• Your organization uses Google services
• You prefer single sign-on convenience

Steps:

1. Tap "Sign in with Google" on the login screen
2. You'll be redirected to Google's secure sign-in page
3. Enter your Google email and password
4. Grant LoanX the requested permissions
5. You'll be automatically returned to the app

Permissions Requested:

• Basic profile information (name, email)
• Organization details (if applicable)

Microsoft Authentication

Sign in using your Microsoft account or Office 365 credentials.

When to Use:

• You have a Microsoft/Office 365 account
• Your organization uses Microsoft services
• You prefer enterprise-grade authentication

Steps:

1. Tap "Sign in with Microsoft" on the login screen
2. Enter your Microsoft email address
3. Enter your password
4. Complete any multi-factor authentication if required
5. Grant LoanX the necessary permissions

Supported Account Types:

• Personal Microsoft accounts
• Office 365 business accounts
• Azure Active Directory accounts

Apple ID Sign-In

Sign in using your Apple ID (iOS devices only).

When to Use:

• You prefer Apple's privacy-focused authentication
• You want to use Apple's "Hide My Email" feature
• You're on an iOS device and prefer native integration

Steps:

1. Tap "Sign in with Apple" on the login screen
2. Use Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode
3. Choose to share or hide your email address
4. Review and confirm the sign-in

Privacy Features:

• Option to hide your real email address
• Minimal data sharing with the app
• Secure authentication through iOS

Email Authentication

Sign in using your email address with verification codes.

When to Use:

• You don't have accounts with supported social providers
• Your organization requires email-based authentication
• You prefer not to use social sign-in

Steps:

1. Tap "Sign in with Email" on the login screen
2. Enter your email address
3. Tap "Continue"
4. Check your email for a 6-digit verification code
5. Enter the code in the app
6. Complete your profile setup if prompted

Email Setup Process:

Step 1: Email Entry

• Enter a valid email address
• Ensure you have access to this email account
• Tap "Continue" to proceed

Step 2: Code Verification

• Check your email inbox (and spam folder)
• Find the email from LoanX with subject "Your LoanX verification code"
• Enter the 6-digit code in the app
• Code expires after 10 minutes

Step 3: Profile Completion

• Provide your name and any required information
• Set up your profile preferences
• Complete organization association if applicable

Account Management

Profile Information

Your profile is automatically populated based on your authentication method:

Google/Microsoft/Apple:

• Name and email from your account
• Profile picture (if available)
• Organization details from your domain

Email Authentication:

• Manually entered profile information
• Organization association through invite codes or admin setup

Switching Authentication Methods

You can link multiple authentication methods to your account:

1. Go to Settings > Profile
2. Select "Linked Accounts"
3. Choose "Add Authentication Method"
4. Follow the setup process for the new method

Organization Management

If you have access to multiple organizations:

1. Go to Settings > Organization
2. View your current organization
3. Switch organizations if multiple access is available
4. Contact your administrator to join additional organizations

Security Features

Secure Token Storage

LoanX uses iOS Keychain to securely store authentication tokens:

• Tokens are encrypted and stored locally
• Access is protected by iOS security mechanisms
• Tokens automatically refresh when needed

Session Management

Automatic Sign-In:

• Stay signed in between app launches
• Tokens refresh automatically
• No need to re-authenticate unless expired

Session Expiration:

• Sessions expire based on organizational policy
• You'll be prompted to re-authenticate when needed
• Background refresh ensures uninterrupted usage

Multi-Factor Authentication

If your organization requires MFA:

• Follow your provider's MFA process during sign-in
• Common methods include SMS, authenticator apps, or push notifications
• LoanX supports all MFA methods provided by your authentication service

Troubleshooting Authentication Issues

Common Login Problems

"Authentication Failed" Error

Possible Causes:

• Incorrect credentials
• Network connectivity issues
• Expired authentication session

Solutions:

1. Verify your credentials are correct
2. Check your internet connection
3. Try signing in again
4. Contact your administrator if issues persist

"Organization Not Found" Error

Possible Causes:

• Account not associated with an organization
• Using wrong authentication method
• Organization access not yet configured

Solutions:

1. Verify you're using the correct sign-in method
2. Contact your administrator for organization access
3. Check if you need an invitation code

Email Verification Code Issues

Problem: Not receiving verification codes Solutions:

1. Check your spam/junk folder
2. Verify email address is typed correctly
3. Wait 2-3 minutes for delivery
4. Request a new code if needed

Problem: "Invalid Code" error Solutions:

1. Ensure you're entering the most recent code
2. Check that code hasn't expired (10-minute limit)
3. Request a fresh verification code

Social Sign-In Problems

Google/Microsoft/Apple sign-in fails:

1. Check device internet connection
2. Verify the service isn't experiencing outages
3. Try logging out of the social service and back in
4. Clear browser cache if using web-based auth

Network and Device Issues

Poor Internet Connection

• Ensure stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection
• Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular
• Restart your network connection

iOS Version Compatibility

• Update to the latest iOS version if possible
• Some authentication features require iOS 14+
• Check App Store for LoanX updates

Device Storage Issues

• Ensure adequate device storage (at least 100MB free)
• Clear app cache if experiencing issues
• Restart the device if authentication is sluggish

Advanced Troubleshooting

Clearing Authentication Data

If you're experiencing persistent login issues:

1. Go to Settings > Profile
2. Select "Sign Out"
3. Confirm sign-out
4. Force close the app
5. Reopen and try signing in again

Resetting App Permissions

If permission-related issues occur:

1. Go to iOS Settings > Privacy & Security
2. Find LoanX in the relevant permission category
3. Toggle permissions off and back on
4. Restart the app

Environment-Specific Authentication

Production Environment

• Uses live authentication services
• Real user accounts and credentials
• Production-level security policies

Staging/Development Environment

• May use test authentication services
• Development accounts provided by administrators
• Relaxed security policies for testing

Important: Always verify you're using the correct environment for your needs.

Best Practices

Account Security

• Use strong, unique passwords for your authentication accounts
• Enable multi-factor authentication when available
• Keep your authentication apps and iOS updated
• Don't share your login credentials

Privacy Considerations

• Review what information you're sharing during sign-in
• Use Apple ID's "Hide My Email" feature if privacy is a concern
• Understand your organization's data handling policies

Multiple Device Usage

• You can sign in to LoanX on multiple iOS devices
• Each device maintains its own secure session
• Sign out from devices you no longer use

Getting Help

When to Contact Support

• Persistent authentication failures
• Unable to access your organization
• Need help linking multiple authentication methods
• Questions about security policies

Information to Provide

• Authentication method you're trying to use
• Specific error messages
• Your organization name
• Steps you've already tried

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