Using Browser Profiles to Manage Multiple Accounts

Introduction

With Google behind SSO, users who manage multiple email accounts (such as their own UAH account plus an entity account) may need to change how they access the secondary account. This particular article includes information that will hopefully best empower those users who choose to use profiles in their web browser to access multiple accounts.

Warning: this choice includes a requirement to be attentive to which window you're using and which account you're logged into while working; this option isn't ideal for all users and all situations. Consider the alternatives described in this article before committing to using multiple profiles in your web browser.

The Problem: Why can't I log in to two accounts?

Due to UAH's Single Sign-On (SSO) security, your web browser can only hold one UAH login session at a time. If you try to log into a departmental account (e.g., helpdesk@uah.edu) while logged into your personal account (chargerID@uah.edu), you will receive an error or be looped back to your own dashboard.

A Possible Solution: Browser Profiles

Instead of using a different computer or Incognito mode, you could use Browser Profiles.

A profile acts like a completely separate browser installed on your computer. You can have your Personal Profile (logged in as you) and a Department Profile (logged in as the entity account) open at the same time. They will never conflict. You just need to pay attention to which account you're logged into and which window you're in while you're working to avoid problems.

Benefits of This Method

• Keeps Bookmarks Separate
• Because the SSO session is persistent in each profile, you won't have to log in and approve a Duo push every single time you want to check the other inbox (unlike the situation when you use private browsing).

If You Use Google Chrome (Recommended)

Step 1: Create the New Profile

1. Open Google Chrome.

2. Click the Profile Icon (circular image or initial) in the top-right corner.

3. Scroll to the bottom of the menu and click + Add.

4. A new window will appear. Click Sign in.

5. Important: Log in using the Entity Account's full email (entity@uah.edu) and password.

Step 2: Customize It (Don't Skip This!)

To avoid confusion, give this window a unique look.

1. In the new window, click the Profile Icon again.

2. Click the Pencil Icon (or "Customize Profile").

3. Name it: Enter a clear name (e.g., "Bursar Office").

4. Color it: Pick a distinct theme color (e.g., Red or Green) so you instantly know which account is which.

How to Switch

• Click the Profile Icon in the top right.

• Under "Other Profiles," click the account you want to use. A new, separate window will open instantly.

If You Use Microsoft Edge

Because Microsoft Edge is built on the same technology as Chrome, the steps are nearly identical.

1. Click the Profile Icon in the top-left or top-right corner of the browser.

2. Select Set up new personal profile.

3. Click Sign in to sync data (or simply sign in without syncing) and log in with the Entity Account credentials.

4. Customize: Click the Profile Icon > Manage profile settings > Edit to rename the profile and change the avatar.

If You Use Mozilla Firefox

Firefox handles this differently. While it has profiles, the best feature for this is called Multi-Account Containers. This allows you to have your Personal tab and your Work tab open side-by-side in the same window.

Step 1: Get the Extension

1. Open Firefox and visit the [Firefox Add-ons Store].

2. Search for and install "Firefox Multi-Account Containers" (this is an official tool built by Mozilla).

3. You will see a new Containers icon (three boxes) in your toolbar.

Step 2: Create Your Container

1. Click the Containers icon.

2. Click Manage Containers > New Container.

3. Name it (e.g., "Department") and choose a color and icon.

4. Click OK.

Step 3: Use the Container

1. Click the Containers icon and select your new "Department" container.

2. A new tab will open with a colored stripe on the tab itself.

3. Log in to the entity account in this colored tab.

4. You can now browse your personal email in a standard tab and the department email in the colored tab simultaneously.

Pro-Tip: Create a Shortcut for Quick Access

You can create a one-click button to open your department account immediately, without having to open your browser and switch profiles first.

For Google Chrome (Desktop Shortcut):

1. Open your Department Profile window.

2. Click the three dots (top right) > Settings.

3. Click You and Google > Customize your Chrome profile.

4. Scroll down and toggle on "Create desktop shortcut."

5. You will now see a specific icon on your desktop (e.g., "Bursar - Chrome") that opens this account directly.

For Microsoft Edge (Pin to Taskbar): Edge does not have a "Create Desktop Shortcut" button. The easiest method is to pin it to your bottom taskbar.

1. Open your Department Profile window.

2. Look at your Taskbar (the bar at the bottom of your screen). You will see the Edge icon with the department's profile picture on it.

3. Right-click that specific icon.

4. Select "Pin to taskbar."

5. You can now click this icon anytime to launch the department account directly.

Still Need Help?

If you need help completing these steps or experience an issue along the way, please contact the OIT Help Desk.