# Run a private session with access codes or login

> Make sure only the people you invite can join and answer.

Source: https://engageslide.com/knowledge-base/presentation-settings/private-sessions · EngageSlide Help Center · Presentation Settings

Video tutorial: [Run a private session — video tutorial](https://youtu.be/x0dIF5lxr_s)

## Two ways to keep a session private

Anyone with your join code can normally take part. For a class, an exam or a closed meeting, add a second check in **⚙️ Presentation settings → General Settings**: give every person their own **access code**, or ask everyone to **log in** with an account.

## The two options

- **Require Access Code** — Each participant must enter a unique 5-character code after joining. Codes are generated by you, one per person. A code works for one person at a time and stays valid for 3 hours.
- **Require Participant Login** — Participants must log in to (or register) an EngageSlide account before they can take part — useful when you need verified identities.

## Set up access codes

1. Turn on **Require Access Code**.
2. Type how many codes you need (1–500) — for example **30** for a class of thirty — and press **Generate**. You can generate more later.
3. Press **Download CSV**. The file lists every code with its status (_Available_ or _In Use_).
4. Hand one code to each person — print them, email them, or put them on your LMS.
5. Share your join code as usual. After joining, each person types their own code and presses **Verify**.

![Require Access Code → 30 codes generated, with Download CSV and Reset Codes.](https://engageslide.com/images/kb/private-session-settings.webp)

![A made-up code → Invalid access code](https://engageslide.com/images/kb/private-session-wrong-code.webp)
![A code already used by someone else → Code already in use](https://engageslide.com/images/kb/private-session-code-in-use.webp)
![Require Participant Login → log in or register first](https://engageslide.com/images/kb/private-session-login.webp)

## Good to know

- **Reset Codes** deletes every code (after a confirmation) — use it before reusing the deck with a new group.
- A participant who refreshes their phone stays verified; they don’t need to type the code again.
- Combine with [Collect Audience Information](https://engageslide.com/knowledge-base/presentation-settings/collect-audience-information) to also ask for a name or student ID.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can two people share one code?

No. While a code is in use, anyone else who types it sees _Code already in use_. That stops one student from passing their code around.

### How long is a code valid?

Each code can be used by one person at a time and stays valid for 3 hours from when it was first used.

### Do participants need an account for access codes?

No. Access codes work without any account. Only **Require Participant Login** asks people to sign in.