# Enabling an authentication method for an endpoint

## Introduction

When you configure a [process flow connection shape ](/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/process-flow-shapes/standard-shapes/connector-shape.md)to use a given **instance**, you can then choose from a list of available [endpoints](/product-documentation/developer-hub/connector-builder/building-your-own-connector/4-endpoints.md). For example:

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/gaidHGYOTGJAZPhlFIAm" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

This list will only include endpoints for which the same [authentication method](/product-documentation/developer-hub/connector-builder/building-your-own-connector/3-authentication-methods/authentication-method-options.md) is enabled, as was used to [add/authenticate the selected instance](/product-documentation/connectors-and-instances/working-with-instances/adding-an-instance.md).&#x20;

So, having added a new **authentication method**, you must enable it for any connector endpoints that you might want to use with **instances** that are added using this **authentication method**.

## The Steps

<details>

<summary><img src="/files/JOYoP4EdSu7WJ3CMdAAS" alt="" data-size="line"> Show me</summary>

![](/files/Wu9r5TYrvCM7TBPyCCcu)

</details>

**Step 1**\
Log in to the [Patchworks dashboard](https://app.wearepatchworks.com/login) and navigate to **process flows** <mark style="color:red;">></mark> **connectors & instances**, where all of your installed connectors are shown. From here, access **settings** for the connector that you need to update with a new authentication method - for example:

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/hZXiWt6AVgacPU8s9MwK" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

{% hint style="info" %}
If you're building a new connector, you can pick up these steps when you reach the **endpoints** section of the connector builder.
{% endhint %}

**Step 2**\
Access **endpoints** for the connector:

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/QMdkrGjN7NzEorknf870" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

**Step 3**\
Select the endpoint that you want to update - for example:

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/KcT9VQQhRYyioJFQNmzY" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

**Step 4**\
Any [authentication methods that have been added for this connector](/product-documentation/developer-hub/connector-builder/building-your-own-connector/3-authentication-methods/authentication-method-options.md) will be displayed on the [endpoint authentication tab](/product-documentation/developer-hub/connector-builder/building-your-own-connector/4-endpoints/endpoint-options/authentication.md), with a toggle option to enable/disable use - for example:

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/7wu9yXUbmeAIbB95EcdS" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

**Step 5**\
Toggle this option on/off as required - for example:

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/xcHUIsdZ8ZzWMNg9YR9o" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>


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