With 1-grid, giving others access to your account should feel simple, secure, and fully within your control. This means deciding whether you need to add a technical contact vs a sub-account, which makes it important to understand the difference between each.
Whether you’re delegating support queries, granting login access, or managing a growing team, understanding these roles ensures the right people have the right access without risking your account’s security or creating unnecessary delays.
This guide will help you clearly understand the difference between a Technical Contact vs Sub-Account (User) so you can confidently decide who needs access, what level of control they should have, and how to keep your account protected at all times.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which option to choose, when to use it, and what each role can (and cannot) do.
What This Means (And Why It Matters)
When giving someone access to your 1-grid account, you have two options:
- Technical/Support Contact → Support access only
- Sub-Account (User) → Login + account access
Choosing the correct option ensures:
- smoother collaboration
- faster support interactions
- stronger account security
Quick Comparison (At a Glance)
| Feature | Technical/Support Contact | Sub-Account (User) |
| Contact Support | Yes | Yes |
| Login to Customer Zone | No | Yes |
| Make Account Changes | No | Yes (if permitted) |
| Reset Passwords | No | Yes |
| Manage Services | No | Yes (based on permissions) |
When Should You Use Each Option?
Use a Technical/Support Contact if:
- Someone only needs to contact support
- You want to keep your account fully restricted
Use a Sub-Account if:
- Someone needs to log in to your account
- They must perform actions (updates, changes, management)
What Each Option Allows
Can
- Contact support (tickets, chat, calls)
Cannot
- Log in
- Change account details
- Access billing, unless permissions are set for invoicing, etc.
Can
- Log in using their own credentials
- Perform actions based on permissions
- Reset passwords
- Manage services
Important
- They operate within User Management permissions
Security and Authorisation (Important)
Your account remains protected through:
Tickets
Must come from a registered email address
Chats and Calls
Identity verification is required
IMPORTANT: Only authorised contacts will receive support to prevent unauthorised access and disclosure of account-related information, for your security.
Why Add Additional Access?
- Delegate tasks without sharing passwords
- Allow developers or staff to assist
- Prevent delays in support communication
- Maintain structured account control
Before You Move On
Checklist
- Do they need login access?
- → Yes = Sub-Account
- → No = Technical Contact
- Do they need to make changes?
- → Yes = Sub-Account
If This Didn’t Help You Decide
- Start with the least access required
- You can always upgrade access later
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding a technical contact expecting login access
- Giving full permissions unnecessarily
- Sharing your main login instead of creating access
Next Recommended Steps
Get started with User Management & Access
FAQs
Q. Can I change access later?
Yes, permissions can be updated or removed anytime.
Q. Is it safe to add users?
Yes, access is permission-based and controlled.
Q. Will they see everything on my account?
Only if you allow it via permissions, and are dependent on whether you only add them as a contact or a sub-account (user).
Empowering Insight
The safest way to collaborate is by giving the right level of access to the right person.
Additional Resources
Customer Zone: How to Update My Profile Security Question
How to Update My Security Question
Recovering a Lost 1-grid Customer Zone Password
Preventing Unauthorised Customers from Accessing 1-grid Support
Need Additional Support?
We’re Here to Help:
Understanding the difference between a technical contact vs sub-account for the right level of access doesn’t have to feel complicated with this easy-to-use reference guide. Stuck? Check out our Scope of Support, and then contact our Support Team for further clarity and guidance (https://1grid.co.za/contact-us/). We’re ready to see how we can help!