Which format must a username be in when adding a new user to Okta?

When adding a new user to Okta, the username must be in an email address format. This requirement is in place because many organizations use email as a common identifier for user accounts. Utilizing an email address format not only simplifies the user experience by leveraging existing email addresses, but it also helps in ensuring uniqueness within the directory.

Moreover, using email addresses as usernames in Okta enables easier communication and notifications for user accounts, supporting password recovery processes and facilitating notifications for account-related activities. Email addresses are widely understood and accessible, making them an ideal choice for user identification in cloud-based platforms like Okta.

Other formats, such as simple text, URL, or numeric formats, do not fulfill the requirements for standard user identification in Okta. Each of these alternatives lacks the conventional structure needed for user authentication and communication that email addresses inherently possess.