Protecting files in FileMaker Go

When users try to open a file protected by a password in FileMaker Go, a dialog prompts them to specify an account name and password. FileMaker Go checks the following settings in the specified order to determine how to open a protected file. If none of these settings are used, the user needs to enter the account credentials to open the file.

  1. Claris ID

    If the file is hosted by FileMaker Cloud, and the user is signed in to their Claris ID, the file opens automatically.

  2. File Options dialog box to sign in automatically

    In FileMaker Pro, you can use the File Options dialog box to automatically sign in using a specific account name and password when you open the file.

  3. User manual override

    In FileMaker Go, users can temporarily bypass the default sign-in information when they open a file by touching and holding a filename in the files list. Tapping Sign In displays a dialog where users can enter a different account name and password.

  4. Accessing passwords saved in the keychain

    To save passwords in the keychain, use the File Options dialog box in FileMaker Pro to allow saving passwords, then make sure the Save Passwords in Keychain option in FileMaker Go is turned on. You can also require users to authenticate with iOS or iPadOS before FileMaker Go can access its keychain. See Help.

Returning to FileMaker Go

When FileMaker Go moves to the background, it saves the state of any open FileMaker apps. When you switch back to FileMaker Go, you return to where you left off.

Files can be configured to require reauthentication after being in the background for a specified period of time. See Using the fmreauthenticate extended privilege.

After FileMaker Go moves to the background, you must reenter your account name and password to return to the file, unless:

  • you are using the Guest account

  • your account name and password match the account name and password set in the File Options dialog box in FileMaker Pro

  • you have returned to the file before the time limit specified in the fmreauthenticate extended privilege

  • you are using an account that does not have the fmreauthenticate extended privilege

  • you saved the password in Keychain Access

Using the fmreauthenticate extended privilege

Use the fmreauthenticate extended privilege to require reauthentication after not using FileMaker Go for the specified number of minutes.

With this extended privilege, when FileMaker Go switches to the foreground, users must reenter the account name and password if the specified time limit has elapsed. Users can attempt to enter their account name and password five times before FileMaker Go closes the files.

New privilege sets created in FileMaker Pro include the fmreauthenticate10 (ten minutes) keyword by default.

Securing your files

See FileMaker Security Guide.

SSL certificates

See Knowledge Base.