Change Sign-In Method

How to switch between different authentication methods in DBCode.

DBCode offers multiple ways to sign in: built-in VS Code authentication providers (GitHub, Microsoft), web-based sign-in, and offline activation. You may need to switch methods if the built-in provider isn’t working, you want to use a different account, or you need to sign in with an email address or a provider not available through VS Code.

Available Sign-In Methods

Built-in Providers

  • GitHub - Uses VS Code’s built-in GitHub authentication
  • Microsoft - Uses VS Code’s built-in Microsoft authentication (VS Code only, not available in Cursor or other editors)

Web Sign-In

  • Opens your browser for authentication
  • Supports Microsoft, Google, GitHub, or email-based sign-in
  • Works in any editor (VS Code, Cursor, etc.)
  • Useful when built-in authentication is blocked or not working

Offline Activation

When to Change Sign-In Methods

Common reasons to switch:

  • VS Code authentication issues - The built-in GitHub or Microsoft sign-in isn’t working or is blocked by your network
  • Using a different editor - Microsoft authentication isn’t available in Cursor or other VS Code forks
  • Different account needed - You want to use a Google account or email address instead
  • Corporate restrictions - Your organization restricts certain authentication providers

How to Change Your Sign-In Method

Step 1: Sign Out of Your Current Account

  1. Open VS Code and click the DBCode icon in the Activity Bar
  2. Navigate to the Account tab in the DBCode sidebar
  3. Click the Sign-Out icon next to your account details
  4. Confirm the sign-out when prompted

Step 2: Remove DBCode from Trusted Extensions (Built-in Providers Only)

If you were signed in using a built-in provider (GitHub or Microsoft) and want to switch to a different method, you need to remove DBCode from that provider’s trusted extensions:

  1. Click the Profile icon in the bottom-left corner of VS Code (or the Account icon in the Activity Bar)
  2. Find the authentication provider you were using (e.g., “GitHub” or “Microsoft”)
  3. Click on it to expand the options
  4. Select Manage Trusted Extensions
  5. Find DBCode in the list and uncheck it (or click the X to remove it)

This prevents VS Code from automatically signing you back in with the previous provider when you next sign in to DBCode.

Step 3: Sign In with a New Method

  1. In the Account tab, click Sign In…

  2. A prompt will appear with the available options:

    • Sign in with GitHub - Uses VS Code’s built-in GitHub authentication
    • Sign in with Microsoft - Uses VS Code’s built-in Microsoft authentication (VS Code only)
    • Sign in via the Web - Opens your browser with support for Microsoft, Google, GitHub, or email
    • Offline Activation - For air-gapped environments

  3. Select your preferred method

Using Web Sign-In

If you select Sign in via the Web:

  1. Your browser will open to the DBCode activation page
  2. Choose your preferred sign-in method:
    • Sign in with Microsoft
    • Sign in with Google
    • Sign in with GitHub
    • Sign in with Email (magic link)
  3. Complete the authentication in your browser
  4. The license will automatically activate in VS Code

Troubleshooting

Built-in authentication not working

If GitHub or Microsoft sign-in through VS Code isn’t working:

  1. Sign out of your current account
  2. Remove DBCode from the provider’s trusted extensions (see Step 2 above)
  3. Select Sign in via the Web instead
  4. Choose the same provider (GitHub or Microsoft) in the browser, or use Google or email
  5. Your license will continue to work normally

Need to use a different email

If you need to use a specific email address:

  1. Sign out of your current account
  2. Select Sign in via the Web
  3. Choose Sign in with Email
  4. Enter your email address to receive a magic link
  5. Click the link in your email to complete sign-in

License still associated with old account

Your license is associated with your account, not the sign-in method. If you sign in with a different provider but the same email address, your license will be retained. If you need to transfer a license to a different account, contact help@dbcode.io.