How do I create a service user to authenticate API requests?

Question

I need to create a Zendesk user without a human counterpart to authenticate API requests for my app or integration. How do I create a service user? 

Answer

Creating a service user in Zendesk is the same as creating any admin in the account. Follow the steps below to create a user to authenticate API requests.

Note: Not all apps and integrations require the manual creation of a service user. For example, the Jira integration will automatically create a dedicated integration user during the setup process.

To create a service user

1. Create a new user with admin permissions. Name the user something that will indicate it is a service user. For example, API Admin or Integration User.
   
   Tip: Use an email address for the user that the account owner or another admin has access to. Access to the email will act as a recovery method if another admin needs to access the account.
2. Verify the new user's email address so the email can be used to authenticate API tokens and API requests.

For more information about the API usage and limits, see the below resources:

• For information about authenticating API requests, see the article: How can I authenticate API requests?
• For more information about managing API usage, see the article: Managing API usage in your Zendesk account.