Visit an IBX

To schedule an on-site visit to an Equinix data center, there are several options under the Orders and Tickets menu in the Customer Portal:

These on-site services are offered at no cost to customers, employees, vendors, and resellers.

For detailed instructions, see:

Provided that there is a business purpose for the visit, you can qualify for access to an IBX in any of these ways:

  • Have a user account in the Customer Portal with access permissions for the IBX (assigned by an administrator).

  • Be included in a Work Visit or Data Center Tour request created by your company’s Customer Portal administrator.

  • Be an escorted guest of a Customer Portal user who has the Allow Guests permission for the IBX.

Important: On-site policies are subject to change. For full policy information, refer to our Global IBX Policies.

Permissions Needed

Tip: If you don’t have a Customer Portal account with the necessary permissions to arrange a visit, you can contact the Global Service Desk (GSD) to arrange the visit for you.

Your ability to schedule on-site visits in the Customer Portal is governed by the following permissions on the Administration and IBX Access Services Request screen:

The allowed actions at the IBX (once you arrive on-site) are governed by the following permissions on the IBX Data Center Access screen:

Note: Visitors must be 18 years of age or older, must be accompanied by the registered visitor, and must present a valid government-issued photo ID.

To see your current permissions in the Customer Portal:

  1. Click your user name (at the upper-right corner of the portal screen) and select User Settings:

  2. Click the Permissions tab.

  3. Verify that the Administration and IBX Access Services Request and/or IBX Data Center Access tiles say "Permissions Granted". (If you don't see these tiles, look under the Request Permissions section of the screen.)

  4. Click each tile to see your specific IBX permissions.

    Symbols on the Administration and IBX Access Services Request screen:

    Icon Meaning
    Full permission
    No permission
    Partial permission

Tip: If you don't have the permissions you need, contact your company's Customer Portal administrator, or see Permissions.

Checking Into an IBX

For added security, Equinix uses QR codes to control physical access to IBXs. A QR code is a machine-readable code, similar to a bar code. Before entering the IBX, each individual visitor is required to present a unique QR code (generated by Equinix) to be scanned at the check-in kiosk.

When a request for a Work Visit or Data Center Tour is submitted, each visitor listed in the request receives a unique QR code — either by email or text message. Additionally, the QR codes for all visitors are emailed to the Ordering Contact, who can manually distribute the codes to each respective visitor (if needed).

Tip: QR codes can be presented to Security on a mobile device or on paper. For details, see Find Your PIN and QR Code in the Customer Portal.

Check Into an IBX (via the Mobile App)

Important: Make sure your Equinix Customer Portal mobile app is up-to-date with the latest version.

You can use the Equinix Customer Portal mobile app to check into the IBX upon arrival. This lets you bypass the security kiosk and proceed directly to the security window.

Note: Visitors/guests without Customer Portal access must check in using the security kiosk at the IBX.

  • Each visitor must show a government-issued photo ID (such as a passport, or a driver’s license or national identity card from the same state or country as the IBX location). The name on the ID must match the name on the visitor list.

  • Each visitor must scan their unique QR code at the security kiosk — either from a paper copy or a mobile device. Security personnel can provide assistance to print a copy of the QR code if necessary.

  • Each visitor who hasn’t previously signed the IBX Access Form electronically in the Customer Portal must sign the form at the security kiosk. (For a PDF version of the form, see IBX Access Forms – All Languages.)

  • First-time contacts must set up their building access (biometric scan, proximity card, and photo).

  • All visitors must comply with our Global IBX Policies.

  • One-time visitors are issued a temporary access pass.

  • If you have a permanent Equinix badge, it must be visibly worn at all times while you are on the property. In most cases, you can present your permanent photo badge instead of a government-issued photo ID.