> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.withessential.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.withessential.com/customers-and-work/contacts/preview-a-contacts-customer-portal.md).

# Preview a contact's Customer Portal

Use a preview to check which properties, visits, reports, quotes, and invoices a contact can see. You need the **Set up Customer Portal** permission.

1. Open the contact's page from **Contacts** or the customer's contact list.
2. Select the **Portal** pill next to the contact's name. The pill shows an external-link icon when the contact has portal access and you can preview it; a contact without portal access has nothing to preview, so its pill is not a link. The portal opens in a new browser tab, using the same layout the contact sees. A thin bar at the top identifies the contact you're previewing as.
3. Choose a property in **Viewing**, then open **Upcoming** or **History** to check its visits. If the contact has access to multiple portal brands, choose **Portal brand** first.
4. The preview loads the latest information whenever you return to its tab; reload the page to refresh on demand. Select the **X** at the right of the top bar, or close the tab, when you're done. Returning to the tab keeps the current portal brand while the contact still has access to it.

The preview uses the contact's email address and the same access rules as a real sign-in. If that email belongs to contacts on multiple customer accounts, the preview includes those accounts too. If the contact's access changes while the preview is open, the preview explains what to check.

Previewing is read-only. You can browse and download available files, but you cannot pay invoices, accept quotes, request service, or add or edit portal users. Opening a preview does not send an email, sign you in as the customer, or change anyone's access.

> **Where to find it:** Contacts → open a contact → Portal pill next to the contact's name

## Related guides

* [Give a contact access to the Customer Portal](/customers-and-work/contacts/give-a-contact-access-to-the-customer-portal.md)
* [What your customers see in the Customer Portal](/administration/what-your-customers-see-in-the-customer-portal.md)


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