Email-Based Login

DeskPress allows guest visitors -- people who are not logged in to WordPress -- to access the support form and view their conversations by simply providing their email address. No WordPress account is needed.

How to Access

This feature works automatically with the support form shortcode [hsd_form]. When a guest visits a page containing the form, they see an email capture step before the full form appears.

Email capture is built into the support form and works automatically for guest visitors.

Configuration Walkthrough

There is no special configuration needed. Email-based login is built into DeskPress and works out of the box. Here is how the experience flows for a guest visitor:

The Guest Experience

1. A visitor lands on a page with the [hsd_form] shortcode.
2. Since they are not logged in and have no saved email cookie, they see a simple email capture form.
3. They enter their email address and submit.
4. DeskPress saves the email securely (valid for 30 days).
5. The full support form appears, using the entered email as the customer identity.
6. On future visits within the 30-day window, the visitor is recognized automatically and goes straight to the full form without re-entering their email.

Settings Reference

Tips and Common Questions

Q: What if a visitor clears their cookies?

They will see the email capture form again on their next visit. Once they re-enter their email, everything works as before.

Q: Is the email verified against Help Scout?

Yes. DeskPress checks the email against Help Scout's customer database to pull up any existing conversation history.

Q: Who is this feature best for?

This is ideal for sites where not all customers have WordPress accounts. It bridges the gap between the logged-in and guest experience, so everyone can get support without needing to register.

Related documentation:

• Support Form
• Shortcodes Reference