Learn how to generate and embed SSO Magic Links for one-click access to GHL Customer Care client portal apps like Courses, Communities, and Affiliates—no login needed.
5 min read1,013 words18 explained imagesUpdated Thu, 31 Jul, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Assistants need to reach this page over the internet. While it is only running on your machine, these two buttons will not be able to load it.
Each image has a one line explanation. Switch to full detail for the step it belongs to, the fields and buttons involved, examples and the whole procedure.
This article will guide you through how to create and use SSO (Single Sign-On) Magic Links to give clients instant, secure access to individual client portal apps—such as Courses, Communities, or Affiliates—without requiring login credentials. You’ll also learn how to embed these links as custom menu items in the client portal, control access visibility, and streamline navigation for a more professional client experience.
What Are SSO Magic Links?
SSO Magic Links are unique, authenticated URLs that allow users to directly access a client portal app without entering login credentials. When a client clicks their personalized link, they’re instantly logged in and taken to the correct destination—whether it’s a course dashboard, community area, or affiliate portal.
These links are app-specific and contact-specific, meaning each user receives secure access to the exact portal experience they’ve been granted.
Key Benefits of SSO Magic Links
SSO Magic Links are designed to reduce friction, save time, and increase client satisfaction. Key advantages include:
One-Click Login: Instant access without entering a username or password.
Faster Onboarding: Clients can get started with their app experience right away.
Fewer Support Tickets: Eliminates login-related issues such as forgotten passwords.
Improved Navigation: Offers a smoother, more direct login experience.
Multi-App Convenience: Ideal for setups that include multiple apps like Courses + Communities + Affiliates.
Higher Engagement: Easier access encourages repeat visits and ongoing interaction.
How to Generate and Use Magic Links
Magic Links can be created from the Client Portal Dashboard and shared with contacts to provide direct access to specific apps.
Access the Sites Dashboard
Navigate to the Sites tab from the left-hand menu to access your Client Portal Dashboard. This area allows you to manage your client-facing apps and create secure login experiences.
Access the Sites Dashboard (image 1 of 18)What this shows Navigate to the Sites tab from the left-hand menu to access your Client Portal Dashboard.What this showsIllustrates the "Access the Sites Dashboard" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps".This screenshot appears in the "Access the Sites Dashboard" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps". The text alongside this image reads: Navigate to the Sites tab from the left-hand menu to access your Client Portal Dashboard. This area allows you to manage your client-facing apps and create secure login experiences. Immediately after, the guide continues: Within the Sites menu, click the Client Portal dropdown at the top and select Dashboard. This gives you access to client portal management tools like Magic Link generation and app settings.Image 1 of 18Where to goNavigate to the Sites tab from the left-hand menu to access your Client Portal Dashboard. This area allows you to manage your client-facing apps and create secure login experiences.
Buttons and menus referencedSites
Next stepWithin the Sites menu, click the Client Portal dropdown at the top and select Dashboard. This gives you access to client portal management tools like Magic Link generation and app settings.
Open the Client Portal Section
Within the Sites menu, click the Client Portal dropdown at the top and select Dashboard. This gives you access to client portal management tools like Magic Link generation and app settings.
Open the Client Portal Section (image 2 of 18)What this shows Within the Sites menu, click the Client Portal dropdown at the top and select Dashboard.What this showsIllustrates the "Open the Client Portal Section" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps".This screenshot appears in the "Open the Client Portal Section" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps". The text alongside this image reads: Within the Sites menu, click the Client Portal dropdown at the top and select Dashboard. This gives you access to client portal management tools like Magic Link generation and app settings. Immediately after, the guide continues: In the Actions panel, click the Generate button next to “Generate Magic Link.” This begins the process of creating a secure, one-click login for a specific contact and app.Image 2 of 18What to chooseWithin the Sites menu, click the Client Portal dropdown at the top and select Dashboard. This gives you access to client portal management tools like Magic Link generation and app settings.
Buttons and menus referencedClient PortalDashboard
Next stepIn the Actions panel, click the Generate button next to “Generate Magic Link.” This begins the process of creating a secure, one-click login for a specific contact and app.
Click “Generate” for Magic Link
In the Actions panel, click the Generate button next to “Generate Magic Link.” This begins the process of creating a secure, one-click login for a specific contact and app.
Click “Generate” for Magic Link (image 3 of 18)What this shows In the Actions panel, click the Generate button next to “Generate Magic Link.” This begins the process of creating a secure, one-click…What this showsIllustrates the "Click “Generate” for Magic Link" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps".This screenshot appears in the "Click “Generate” for Magic Link" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps". The text alongside this image reads: In the Actions panel, click the Generate button next to “Generate Magic Link.” This begins the process of creating a secure, one-click login for a specific contact and app. Immediately after, the guide continues: Choose Custom Menu to generate a reusable magic link intended for client portal navigation. This type of link is ideal for embedding directly in your portal’s sidebar.Image 3 of 18What to clickIn the Actions panel, click the Generate button next to “Generate Magic Link.” This begins the process of creating a secure, one-click login for a specific contact and app.
Buttons and menus referencedActionsGenerate
Next stepChoose Custom Menu to generate a reusable magic link intended for client portal navigation. This type of link is ideal for embedding directly in your portal’s sidebar.
Select Magic Link Type
Choose Custom Menu to generate a reusable magic link intended for client portal navigation. This type of link is ideal for embedding directly in your portal’s sidebar.
Select Magic Link Type (image 4 of 18)What this shows Choose Custom Menu to generate a reusable magic link intended for client portal navigation.What this showsIllustrates the "Select Magic Link Type" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps".This screenshot appears in the "Select Magic Link Type" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps". The text alongside this image reads: Choose Custom Menu to generate a reusable magic link intended for client portal navigation. This type of link is ideal for embedding directly in your portal’s sidebar. Immediately after, the guide continues: Use the dropdown under Select App to choose which client portal app the magic link should open— Courses, Affiliates, or Communities. This determines the destination when the link is used.Image 4 of 18Where to goChoose Custom Menu to generate a reusable magic link intended for client portal navigation. This type of link is ideal for embedding directly in your portal’s sidebar.
Buttons and menus referencedCustom Menu
Next stepUse the dropdown under Select App to choose which client portal app the magic link should open— Courses, Affiliates, or Communities. This determines the destination when the link is used.
Select the App
Use the dropdown under Select App to choose which client portal app the magic link should open—Courses, Affiliates, or Communities. This determines the destination when the link is used.
Select the App (image 5 of 18)What this shows Use the dropdown under Select App to choose which client portal app the magic link should open— Courses, Affiliates, or Communities.What this showsIllustrates the "Select the App" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps".This screenshot appears in the "Select the App" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps". The text alongside this image reads: Use the dropdown under Select App to choose which client portal app the magic link should open— Courses, Affiliates, or Communities. This determines the destination when the link is used. Immediately after, the guide continues: Once you’ve selected the app, click the Generate button. This will instantly create a secure, one-click login URL that you can embed or share.Image 5 of 18What to chooseUse the dropdown under Select App to choose which client portal app the magic link should open— Courses, Affiliates, or Communities. This determines the destination when the link is used.
Buttons and menus referencedSelect AppCoursesAffiliatesCommunities
Next stepOnce you’ve selected the app, click the Generate button. This will instantly create a secure, one-click login URL that you can embed or share.
Generate the Magic Link
Once you’ve selected the app, click the Generate button. This will instantly create a secure, one-click login URL that you can embed or share.
Generate the Magic Link (image 6 of 18)What this shows Once you’ve selected the app, click the Generate button.What this showsIllustrates the "Generate the Magic Link" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps".This screenshot appears in the "Generate the Magic Link" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps". The text alongside this image reads: Once you’ve selected the app, click the Generate button. This will instantly create a secure, one-click login URL that you can embed or share. Immediately after, the guide continues: Once the link is generated, click the copy icon to save it to your clipboard. You can now paste this secure SSO link wherever needed—such as in emails or custom menu items—for seamless client access.Image 6 of 18What to clickOnce you’ve selected the app, click the Generate button. This will instantly create a secure, one-click login URL that you can embed or share.
Buttons and menus referencedGenerate
Next stepOnce the link is generated, click the copy icon to save it to your clipboard. You can now paste this secure SSO link wherever needed—such as in emails or custom menu items—for seamless client access.
Copy the Magic Link
Once the link is generated, click the copy icon to save it to your clipboard. You can now paste this secure SSO link wherever needed—such as in emails or custom menu items—for seamless client access.
Copy the Magic Link (image 7 of 18)What this shows Once the link is generated, click the copy icon to save it to your clipboard.What this showsIllustrates the "Copy the Magic Link" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps".This screenshot appears in the "Copy the Magic Link" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps". The text alongside this image reads: Once the link is generated, click the copy icon to save it to your clipboard. You can now paste this secure SSO link wherever needed—such as in emails or custom menu items—for seamless client access. Immediately after, the guide continues: You can embed Magic Links as custom menu items inside the client portal for quicker access.Image 7 of 18How to confirmOnce the link is generated, click the copy icon to save it to your clipboard. You can now paste this secure SSO link wherever needed—such as in emails or custom menu items—for seamless client access.
Buttons and menus referencedcopy icon
Next stepYou can embed Magic Links as custom menu items inside the client portal for quicker access.
How to Use Magic Links as Custom Menu Links
You can embed Magic Links as custom menu items inside the client portal for quicker access.
To add a Magic Link as a menu item:
Switch to Agency View
From the sub-account dashboard, click the dropdown beside the account name and select Switch to Agency View. This allows you to manage global settings like custom menu links for all sub-accounts.
Switch to Agency View (image 8 of 18)What this shows From the sub-account dashboard, click the dropdown beside the account name and select Switch to Agency View.What this showsIllustrates the "Switch to Agency View" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps".This screenshot appears in the "Switch to Agency View" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps". The text alongside this image reads: From the sub-account dashboard, click the dropdown beside the account name and select Switch to Agency View. This allows you to manage global settings like custom menu links for all sub-accounts. Immediately after, the guide continues: Once you are in the Agency View, scroll to the bottom of the left-hand sidebar and click on Settings. This is where you can configure platform-wide preferences, including adding custom menu links.Image 8 of 18What to chooseFrom the sub-account dashboard, click the dropdown beside the account name and select Switch to Agency View. This allows you to manage global settings like custom menu links for all sub-accounts.
Buttons and menus referencedSwitch to Agency View
Next stepOnce you are in the Agency View, scroll to the bottom of the left-hand sidebar and click on Settings. This is where you can configure platform-wide preferences, including adding custom menu links.
Access Agency Settings
Once you are in the Agency View, scroll to the bottom of the left-hand sidebar and click on Settings. This is where you can configure platform-wide preferences, including adding custom menu links.
Access Agency Settings (image 9 of 18)What this shows Once you are in the Agency View, scroll to the bottom of the left-hand sidebar and click on Settings.What this showsIllustrates the "Access Agency Settings" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps".This screenshot appears in the "Access Agency Settings" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps". The text alongside this image reads: Once you are in the Agency View, scroll to the bottom of the left-hand sidebar and click on Settings. This is where you can configure platform-wide preferences, including adding custom menu links. Immediately after, the guide continues: In the Settings panel, scroll down and click on Custom Menu Links. This section displays all the existing menu links and is where you can manage or create new custom links for agency and sub-accounts.Image 9 of 18Where to goOnce you are in the Agency View, scroll to the bottom of the left-hand sidebar and click on Settings. This is where you can configure platform-wide preferences, including adding custom menu links.
Buttons and menus referencedSettings
Next stepIn the Settings panel, scroll down and click on Custom Menu Links. This section displays all the existing menu links and is where you can manage or create new custom links for agency and sub-accounts.
Navigate to Custom Menu Links
In the Settings panel, scroll down and click on Custom Menu Links. This section displays all the existing menu links and is where you can manage or create new custom links for agency and sub-accounts.
Navigate to Custom Menu Links (image 10 of 18)What this shows In the Settings panel, scroll down and click on Custom Menu Links.What this showsIllustrates the "Navigate to Custom Menu Links" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps".This screenshot appears in the "Navigate to Custom Menu Links" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps". The text alongside this image reads: In the Settings panel, scroll down and click on Custom Menu Links. This section displays all the existing menu links and is where you can manage or create new custom links for agency and sub-accounts. Immediately after, the guide continues: Click the + Create New button in the top-right corner of the Custom Menu Links section to begin creating a new menu link.Image 10 of 18What to clickIn the Settings panel, scroll down and click on Custom Menu Links. This section displays all the existing menu links and is where you can manage or create new custom links for agency and sub-accounts.
Buttons and menus referencedSettingsCustom Menu Links
Next stepClick the + Create New button in the top-right corner of the Custom Menu Links section to begin creating a new menu link.
Create a New Custom Link
Click the + Create New button in the top-right corner of the Custom Menu Links section to begin creating a new menu link.
Create a New Custom Link (image 11 of 18)What this shows Click the + Create New button in the top-right corner of the Custom Menu Links section to begin creating a new menu link.What this showsIllustrates the "Create a New Custom Link" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps".This screenshot appears in the "Create a New Custom Link" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps". The text alongside this image reads: Click the + Create New button in the top-right corner of the Custom Menu Links section to begin creating a new menu link. Immediately after, the guide continues: Link Icon: Choose an icon identifier (e.g., vr-cardboard) Link Title: Name the menu item (e.g., “Test Link”) URL: Paste the full magic link generated previously.Image 11 of 18What to clickClick the + Create New button in the top-right corner of the Custom Menu Links section to begin creating a new menu link.
Buttons and menus referenced+ Create New
Next stepLink Icon: Choose an icon identifier (e.g., vr-cardboard) Link Title: Name the menu item (e.g., “Test Link”) URL: Paste the full magic link generated previously.
Enter Link Details
Fill in the required fields:
Link Icon: Choose an icon identifier (e.g., vr-cardboard)
Link Title: Name the menu item (e.g., “Test Link”)
URL: Paste the full magic link generated previously.
Enter Link Details (image 12 of 18)What this shows Link Icon: Choose an icon identifier (e.g., vr-cardboard) Link Title: Name the menu item (e.g., “Test Link”) URL: Paste the full magic…What this showsIllustrates the "Enter Link Details" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps".This screenshot appears in the "Enter Link Details" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps". The text alongside this image reads: Link Icon: Choose an icon identifier (e.g., vr-cardboard) Link Title: Name the menu item (e.g., “Test Link”) URL: Paste the full magic link generated previously. This part of the guide covers 2 fields, listed below. Immediately after, the guide continues: Select how the link will open when clicked. You can display it inside the current window as an embedded iFrame, open it in a new tab, or load it in the same window.Image 12 of 18What to chooseLink Icon: Choose an icon identifier (e.g., vr-cardboard) Link Title: Name the menu item (e.g., “Test Link”) URL: Paste the full magic link generated previously.
Fields in this part of the guideLink Icon: Choose an icon identifier (e.g., vr-cardboard)Link Title: Name the menu item (e.g., “Test Link”)
Buttons and menus referencedLink IconLink TitleURL
Next stepSelect how the link will open when clicked. You can display it inside the current window as an embedded iFrame, open it in a new tab, or load it in the same window.All 3 steps in this procedure
Link Icon: Choose an icon identifier (e.g., vr-cardboard)
Link Title: Name the menu item (e.g., “Test Link”)
URL: Paste the full magic link generated previously.
Choose Link Behavior
Select how the link will open when clicked. You can display it inside the current window as an embedded iFrame, open it in a new tab, or load it in the same window.
Choose Link Behavior (image 13 of 18)What this shows Select how the link will open when clicked.What this showsIllustrates the "Choose Link Behavior" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps".This screenshot appears in the "Choose Link Behavior" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps". The text alongside this image reads: Select how the link will open when clicked. You can display it inside the current window as an embedded iFrame, open it in a new tab, or load it in the same window. Immediately after, the guide continues: Choose where the custom menu link will appear. You can display it in the Agency’s sidebar, the Sub-Account’s sidebar, or both for easier navigation across different user levels.Image 13 of 18What to chooseSelect how the link will open when clicked. You can display it inside the current window as an embedded iFrame, open it in a new tab, or load it in the same window.Next stepChoose where the custom menu link will appear. You can display it in the Agency’s sidebar, the Sub-Account’s sidebar, or both for easier navigation across different user levels.
Set Sidebar Visibility
Choose where the custom menu link will appear. You can display it in the Agency’s sidebar, the Sub-Account’s sidebar, or both for easier navigation across different user levels.
Set Sidebar Visibility (image 14 of 18)What this shows Choose where the custom menu link will appear.What this showsIllustrates the "Set Sidebar Visibility" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps".This screenshot appears in the "Set Sidebar Visibility" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps". The text alongside this image reads: Choose where the custom menu link will appear. You can display it in the Agency’s sidebar, the Sub-Account’s sidebar, or both for easier navigation across different user levels. Immediately after, the guide continues: Assign the custom menu link to one or more sub-accounts. Only the selected accounts will display this link in their navigation sidebar.Image 14 of 18Where to goChoose where the custom menu link will appear. You can display it in the Agency’s sidebar, the Sub-Account’s sidebar, or both for easier navigation across different user levels.Next stepAssign the custom menu link to one or more sub-accounts. Only the selected accounts will display this link in their navigation sidebar.
Select Sub-Accounts
Assign the custom menu link to one or more sub-accounts. Only the selected accounts will display this link in their navigation sidebar.
Select Sub-Accounts (image 15 of 18)What this shows Assign the custom menu link to one or more sub-accounts.What this showsIllustrates the "Select Sub-Accounts" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps".This screenshot appears in the "Select Sub-Accounts" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps". The text alongside this image reads: Assign the custom menu link to one or more sub-accounts. Only the selected accounts will display this link in their navigation sidebar. Immediately after, the guide continues: Choose who can access this custom menu link based on user roles. You can limit visibility to Admins, Users, or make it available to all users within the assigned sub-accounts.Image 15 of 18Where to goAssign the custom menu link to one or more sub-accounts. Only the selected accounts will display this link in their navigation sidebar.Next stepChoose who can access this custom menu link based on user roles. You can limit visibility to Admins, Users, or make it available to all users within the assigned sub-accounts.
Set Role-Based Visibility
Choose who can access this custom menu link based on user roles. You can limit visibility to Admins, Users, or make it available to all users within the assigned sub-accounts.
Set Role-Based Visibility (image 16 of 18)What this shows Choose who can access this custom menu link based on user roles.What this showsIllustrates the "Set Role-Based Visibility" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps".This screenshot appears in the "Set Role-Based Visibility" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps". The text alongside this image reads: Choose who can access this custom menu link based on user roles. You can limit visibility to Admins, Users, or make it available to all users within the assigned sub-accounts. Immediately after, the guide continues: You can grant microphone and camera access to the custom menu link if the embedded content requires these capabilities—ideal for video conferencing or recording tools.Image 16 of 18What to chooseChoose who can access this custom menu link based on user roles. You can limit visibility to Admins, Users, or make it available to all users within the assigned sub-accounts.Next stepYou can grant microphone and camera access to the custom menu link if the embedded content requires these capabilities—ideal for video conferencing or recording tools.
Enable Permissions (Optional)
You can grant microphone and camera access to the custom menu link if the embedded content requires these capabilities—ideal for video conferencing or recording tools.
Enable Permissions (Optional) (image 17 of 18)What this shows You can grant microphone and camera access to the custom menu link if the embedded content requires these capabilities—ideal for video…What this showsIllustrates the "Enable Permissions (Optional)" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps".This screenshot appears in the "Enable Permissions (Optional)" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps". The text alongside this image reads: You can grant microphone and camera access to the custom menu link if the embedded content requires these capabilities—ideal for video conferencing or recording tools. Immediately after, the guide continues: Once you’ve configured all options—such as the URL, sidebar visibility, selected accounts, role-based visibility, and any necessary permissions—click Save to finalize the custom menu link. This will add the Magic Link to the designated….Image 17 of 18What this coversYou can grant microphone and camera access to the custom menu link if the embedded content requires these capabilities—ideal for video conferencing or recording tools.Next stepOnce you’ve configured all options—such as the URL, sidebar visibility, selected accounts, role-based visibility, and any necessary permissions—click Save to finalize the custom menu link. This will add the Magic Link to the designated sidebar(s), making it easily accessible to users based on the rules you defined.
Save the Menu Link
Once you’ve configured all options—such as the URL, sidebar visibility, selected accounts, role-based visibility, and any necessary permissions—click Save to finalize the custom menu link. This will add the Magic Link to the designated sidebar(s), making it easily accessible to users based on the rules you defined.
Save the Menu Link (image 18 of 18)What this shows Once you’ve configured all options—such as the URL, sidebar visibility, selected accounts, role-based visibility, and any necessary…What this showsIllustrates the "Save the Menu Link" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps".This screenshot appears in the "Save the Menu Link" section of "Client Portal SSO Magic Links: Enable One-Click Access to Client Apps". The text alongside this image reads: Once you’ve configured all options—such as the URL, sidebar visibility, selected accounts, role-based visibility, and any necessary permissions—click Save to finalize the custom menu link. This will add the Magic Link to the designated sidebar(s), making it easily accessible to users based on the…. Immediately after, the guide continues: Q: Do Magic Links work for all client portal apps?Image 18 of 18Where to goOnce you’ve configured all options—such as the URL, sidebar visibility, selected accounts, role-based visibility, and any necessary permissions—click Save to finalize the custom menu link. This will add the Magic Link to the designated sidebar(s), making it easily accessible to users based on the rules you defined.
Buttons and menus referencedSave
Next stepQ: Do Magic Links work for all client portal apps?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do Magic Links work for all client portal apps?
They work with Courses, Communities, and Affiliates.
Q: Are Magic Links secure?
Yes. Each link is unique to the contact and app, providing only the necessary access.
Q: Can I use Magic Links in automations or emails?
Yes. You can insert the link in automated messages, onboarding emails, or custom buttons.
Q: Do users need to be logged into the portal first?
No. Clicking the Magic Link logs them in and redirects them automatically.
Q: Can I regenerate a Magic Link?
Yes. Simply repeat the generation process to create a new link.
