How to Set Up an Okta SWA Application
Secure Web Authentication lets you extend Okta SSO to any app that requires a username and password — even when it doesn't support SAML or OpenID Connect. Watch the walkthrough, then follow the step-by-step guide below.
Okta Secure Web Authentication (SWA) is used for applications that do not support federated single sign-on protocols like SAML or OpenID Connect but still require users to log in with a username and password. Follow the steps below to configure a custom SWA app in your Okta admin console.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up an Okta SWA App
From logging into the admin console to testing your first sign-on, this guide covers every configuration step. Each step maps directly to what you'll see in the video above.
Log In to the Okta Admin Console
- Navigate to your Okta organizations admin console.
- Log in with your administrator credentials.
Add a New Application
- In the Admin Console, go to the Applications section.
- Click Applications in the left-hand navigation menu.
- Click the Add Application button.
Search for the Application
- In the Add Application screen, search for the app you want to add.
- If listed in the Okta Integration Network, select it and click Add.
- If not listed, you will need to create a custom SWA app.
Create a Custom SWA App
- Click Create New App.
- In the Create a New Application Integration window, select Web as the Platform.
- Click Create.
Configure the SWA App
- App Name: Enter a name for the application.
- App Logo: Optionally upload a logo.
- App Visibility: Choose whether to show the icon to users.
- Sign-On Method: Select Secure Web Authentication (SWA).
- Login URL: Enter the URL where users log in.
- Credentials: Specify how credentials are managed.
Assign the Application to Users or Groups
- Go to the Assignments tab.
- Click Assign and choose Assign to People or Assign to Groups.
- Select users or groups and click Done.
Configure SWA Login Credentials
- Users can enter credentials directly into the Okta dashboard on first access.
- Alternatively, administrators can pre-set credentials for users.
Test the Application
- Log in as an assigned user and launch the app from the Okta dashboard.
- Confirm credentials are captured correctly and login is seamless.
Example Configuration
Let's say you want to set up a custom SWA app for an internal time tracking system:
After creating the app: Inform users to access it through their Okta dashboard and guide them on entering credentials the first time they launch it.
What Size Companies Do We Work With?
Iron Cove deploys Okta for organizations of every size — from five-person startups to global enterprises. We tailor each engagement to your budget, complexity, and timeline.
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Complex IT configurations, migration and deployment packages, deep identity management expertise, access control across multiple platforms.
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Affordable Small Business Package that quickly stands up identity and access management in the Okta security cloud. Ideal for startups.
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Need Help Setting Up Okta SWA?
Iron Cove's Okta engineers handle configuration, testing, and user rollout — so your team doesn't have to figure it out alone. Most SWA deployments are live within a day.
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