How do I assign a permission set to a user?

Assigning a Permission Set to a user is the optimal and most flexible way to grant them extra permissions (e.g., access to a specific Custom Object, field, or app) without changing their Profile. Profiles should define the minimum access, while Permission Sets layer on additional, specific access for certain tasks.

Step 1: Navigate to the User's Detail Page

How do I assign a permission set to a user? | Salesforce | Step 1
  • Navigate to Setup: Click the gear icon (⚙️) to Setup.
  • Find Users: In the Quick Find box, type Users and select Users under the Administration section.
  • Locate the User: Find and click on the name of the user you wish to grant permissions to. This opens their detail page.

Step 2: Access Permission Set Assignments

How do I assign a permission set to a user? | Salesforce | Step 2
  • Find Related List: Scroll down the user’s detail page to the Related Lists section.
  • Locate the list titled “Permission Set Assignments”.
  • Initiate Assignment: Click the “Edit Assignments” button located at the top of this list.

Step 3: Assign the Permission Set

How do I assign a permission set to a user? | Salesforce | Step 3
  • View Available Sets: You will see two columns:
    • Available Permission Sets: On the left (all unassigned sets).
    • Enabled Permission Sets: On the right (all currently assigned sets).
  • Select the Set: In the Available Permission Sets column on the left, click on the name of the Permission Set you want to assign (e.g.,Payment Administrator or Merchandiser).
  • Move to Enabled: Click the right arrow button to move the selected Permission Set from the Available column to the Enabled Permission Sets column.
  • Save: Click the “Save” button at the top or bottom of the page.

 

The user immediately inherits all the extra permissions defined within that specific Permission Set.

Optimal Practice: Using Permission Set Groups

For complex organizations, UTDS Optimal Choice recommends assigning Permission Set Groups instead of individual Permission Sets.

  • A Permission Set Group bundles multiple related Permission Sets into a single unit.
  • By assigning the group, you ensure the user gets all necessary permissions with one click, simplifying administration and reducing the chance of missing a required access point.
Last Updated 2nd February 2026.

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