IdP and SP initiated SAML flows

IdP and SP initiated SAML flows

Identity provider (IdP)-initiated
In an IdP-initiated flow, a user first gets the SAML assertion from the identity provider. Then, the user goes to the service provider (SP) for authentication.

IdP-initiated SAML flow looks like this:

1. A user wants to access an application and goes to their IdP.
2. The user logs into the IdP and chooses the application.
3. The IdP forms a SAML assertion and signs it with the private key of a private/public key pair. (These keys are exchanged between the IdP and SP when SSO trust is set up.)
4. Then, the user goes to the application with the SAML assertion.
5. The application validates the SAML assertion, and upon successful validation, the user is provided access to the application.

Service provider (SP)-initiated
In an SP-initiated flow, a user first goes to the service provider and gets redirected to the IdP with a SAML request. Then, the user is sent back to the service provider with a SAML assertion.

SP-initiated SAML flow looks like this:

1. A user tries to access an application.
2. The application creates a SAML authentication request and sends it to the user's IdP. The user is redirected to their IdP.
3. The IdP asks the user to login and the user gets authenticated.
4. Once the user is authenticated, the IdP sends the SAML assertion to the application's assertion consumer service (ACS) URL.
5. The application validates the SAML assertion, and upon successful validation, the user is given access to the application.
      Bootcamp
      Community
      Pricing
      Webinars
      What's New
      Integrations
      Contact Support
      Contact Sales



          Zoho Survey Resources
            Features
            Survey Templates
            Integrations
            Community
            iOS Mobile Surveys
            Pricing
            Android Mobile Surveys
            Insurvey Blogs
            Insight Blogs
            Tips & Tricks





                          Setup Zoho Bigin in 30 Minitues
                          Latest Feature Updates

                            Zoho Desk Resources

                            • Desk Community Learning Series


                            • Digest


                            • Functions


                            • Meetups


                            • Kbase


                            • Resources


                            • Glossary


                            • Desk Marketplace


                            • MVP Corner


                            • Word of the Day




                                Zoho Marketing Automation
                                  Zoho SalesIQ Resources


                                        Manage your brands on social media
                                        Access Zoho Social

                                          Zoho Pagesense Resources


                                                Zoho TeamInbox Resources

                                                  Zoho DataPrep Resources



                                                    Zoho CRM Plus Resources

                                                      Zoho Books Resources


                                                        Zoho Subscriptions Resources

                                                          Zoho Projects Resources


                                                            Zoho Sprints Resources


                                                              Qntrl Resources


                                                                Zoho Creator Resources


                                                                  Zoho WorkDrive Resources



                                                                    Zoho Campaigns Resources

                                                                      Zoho CRM Resources

                                                                      • CRM Community Learning Series

                                                                        CRM Community Learning Series


                                                                      • Tips

                                                                        Tips

                                                                      • Functions

                                                                        Functions

                                                                      • Meetups

                                                                        Meetups

                                                                      • Kbase

                                                                        Kbase

                                                                      • Resources

                                                                        Resources

                                                                      • Digest

                                                                        Digest

                                                                      • CRM Marketplace

                                                                        CRM Marketplace

                                                                      • MVP Corner

                                                                        MVP Corner

                                                                      





                                                                      




                                                                          Design. Discuss. Deliver.

                                                                          Create visually engaging stories with Zoho Show.

                                                                          Get Started Now