Solving the Incompatible Authorization System Error when Adding Existing Users to Cloudflare

Cloudflare is a popular content delivery network (CDN) and web application firewall (WAF) service used by many websites to improve security, performance, and availability. However, when adding existing users to Cloudflare, you may encounter the error "cannot add existing user that is participating in an incompatible authorization system." This error can be frustrating and difficult to resolve, but with a few simple steps, it can be easily fixed.

The cause of the error is that the existing user is using a different authentication system that is not compatible with Cloudflare. This can happen when the user is using an external authentication system, such as a third-party SSO provider, or if the user's account has been created in a different Cloudflare account. To resolve the issue, you need to ensure that the existing user is using a compatible authentication system, or switch their account to the correct Cloudflare account.

To switch an existing user's account to the correct Cloudflare account, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to the Cloudflare account that the existing user is currently using.
  2. Go to the Users tab in the Cloudflare dashboard.
  3. Locate the existing user and click on their email address.
  4. Click the "Change" button next to the account section.
  5. Select the correct Cloudflare account from the dropdown list.
  6. Click the "Save Changes" button to switch the user's account to the correct Cloudflare account.

Once the user's account has been switched to the correct Cloudflare account, you should be able to add them to your organization without encountering the incompatible authorization system error.

If the existing user is using an external authentication system that is not compatible with Cloudflare, you need to ask the user to switch to a compatible authentication system. This may involve creating a new account with Cloudflare or using a different SSO provider.

In conclusion, resolving the incompatible authorization system error when adding existing users to Cloudflare requires a simple account switch or a switch to a compatible authentication system. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can quickly and easily resolve this issue and continue adding users to your Cloudflare organization.