> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dhmad.tn/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Associating Accounts

> Link your developer account to a user account

To use the DHMAD API, you must associate your developer account with a DHMAD user account. This allows the API to create escrows and manage transactions on behalf of the user.

## Why Associate Accounts?

The API requires a user account association because:

* Escrows are created for specific users
* Transactions are linked to user accounts
* Balance operations require a user account
* All API operations are performed on behalf of the associated user

## How to Associate

### Step 1: Access the Dashboard

1. Log into the [Developer Dashboard](https://developer.dhmad.tn/dashboard)
2. Look for the "User Account Required" alert if no account is associated

### Step 2: Enter User Email

1. Click "Associate User Account"
2. Enter the email address of your DHMAD user account
3. Click "Send Verification Email"

<Info>
  The email must belong to an existing DHMAD user account. If you don't have one, create it at [dhmad.tn/register](https://dhmad.tn/register)
</Info>

### Step 3: Verify Email

1. Check the email inbox for the verification email
2. Click the verification link
3. The accounts will be automatically associated

<Warning>
  Verification links expire after 24 hours. If your link expires, request a new association from the dashboard.
</Warning>

## Verifying Association

Once associated, you'll see:

* A green "User Account Associated" card in the dashboard
* The user's email and username displayed
* Ability to use all API endpoints

## Removing Association

To remove an association:

1. Go to the dashboard
2. Click "Remove Association" on the association card
3. Confirm the removal

<Warning>
  Removing the association will prevent you from using the API until you associate a new account.
</Warning>

## Troubleshooting

### "No user account found with this email"

* Verify the email address is correct
* Ensure the user account exists at dhmad.tn
* Check for typos in the email

### "Already associated with another developer"

* Each user account can only be associated with one developer account
* Contact support if you need to transfer an association

### "Verification link expired"

* Request a new association from the dashboard
* Check your email spam folder
* Ensure the link hasn't been used already

## Best Practices

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Use Production Account" icon="server">
    Associate with your production user account for live API usage
  </Card>

  <Card title="Keep Association Active" icon="link">
    Don't remove associations unless necessary
  </Card>

  <Card title="Verify Before Use" icon="check">
    Always verify association before making API calls
  </Card>

  <Card title="Contact Support" icon="headset">
    Reach out if you need help with associations
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

<Note>
  You can only have one active association at a time. To change associations, remove the current one and create a new one.
</Note>