You can control access to Zaptec charging stations directly in the Zaptec Portal, no third-party systems no payment providers needed. This method is for when you want to: 

• Decide who can use the charging stations.

• Keep it simple without automatic billing and payments. 

• Use RFID keys or the Zaptec App for authentication. 

If you want to enable payments or connect to a Charge Point Operator (CPO), you’ll need an external service. See all access control and payment options with Zaptec charging stations.
 

Choose: Open or restricted charging

• Open access: By default, Zaptec charging stations are open. No app. No RFID. Just plug in and charge. If that's what you want, your don't need to change anything.
• Restricted access (Zaptec Native authentication): Only approved Zaptec users can charge. Zaptec Native authentication is used to autorise via Zaptec App or a registered RFID. 

You can apply this per charging station or to the whole installation. 

Only owners and service partners can manage access control and authentication settings. Users can’t add others or change permissions.

Access roles in Zaptec

Every user you add to Zaptec has a role that defines what they can do: 

• Owners: Full control over settings, users, and monitoring.
• Users: Can plug in and charge, but can't change settings.
• Service partners - Installers and maintenance teams who help with setup and technical support. 

If your installation is managed by a payment provider or CPO, they handle access via their system, not the Zaptec Portal. 
 

How to give someone access to the installation

In the Zaptec Portal (desktop):

1. Go to Installations and select the installation.
2. Click Permissions, + Give permission.
3. Add their email or Lookup key if this is a partner.
4. Assign the role: Owner, User, or Service.
5. Save. 

In the Zaptec App:

1. Log in and go to Installations.
2. Tap Access > + Add access.
3. Add their email or Lookup key if this is a partner. They'll get a link to sign up and start using the chargers.
4. Assign the role: Owner, User, or Service. 

Registering RFID cards

Users can add their RFID cards (also called Zaptec key or charge card) to their profile to authenticate charging. You can do this in the Zaptec App or Zaptec Portal. 

See full instructions here: How to add a charge card (RFID/NFC tag).

Zaptec supports NFC/RFID standard: MIFARE Classic, type A - one of the most common standards.
 

How to give access to a specific charging station

Access to individual Zaptec Pro charging stations can only be managed in the Zaptec Portal:

1. Log in and go to Installations.
2. Select your installation and the charging station you want to manage.
3. Go to Permissions > + Add permission.
4. Add the email or Lookup key if this is a partner. They'll get a link to sign up and start using the chargers.
5. Assign the role: Owner, User, or Service. 

Third-party connected? If the installation is managed by a CPO, access must be handled in their platform.

Require authentication for charging 

If you want only approved users to charge, you can require authentication. 

To enable authentication for the entire installation: 

1. In the Zaptec Portal, go to Installations > your installation.
2. Go to Settings > Authentication > Zaptec Native authentication.
3. Toggle Authorisation required ON.

To enable authentication for individual chargers:

1. Go to the installation in the Zaptec Portal.
2. Select the charging station you want to disable authentication for.
3. In Settings under the charging station, toggle Authorisation required ON or OFF.
4. Click Save.

Please note that this may not be possible if the facility is connected to a payment operator. Also, if authentication is disabled for some charging stations, reports may need to be generated separately.

When authentication is required, you will see a little man on the charge point in the portal. The charging station will also turn yellow when plugging in the vehicle.

Give access to an installer or service provider

Installers, service teams or partners can be added with their Zaptec Lookup key (a 4-digit code). 

1. Ask them for their Zaptec Lookup key, (a 4-digit code found on their user group page in the portal).
    
2. In the Zaptec Portal, go to Permissions and click Give permission.
   
   
    
3. In the Add Permission box, click the Partner tab.
4. Enter their Lookup key > Search, and select the partner.
   
   
    
5. Select the necessary permissions (e.g., Service).
6. Click Next, then Save.
   
   

If you’re giving access to a payment provider, follow this guide instead:

Connect to payment providers and CPOs

22 July 2025 12:46