# How to apply REST credentials to a particular device?

We can either provide just the REST Credentials or a combination of CLI and REST Credentials. NCM recommends using the combination of CLI and REST Credentials. Please follow the steps given below to associate the credentials to the device:

- Go to **Inventory > Devices**.
- Click on the credential icon ![credential icon](https://www.manageengine.com/network-configuration-manager/kb/kb-images/credentials.png) of the device to which the credentials need to be associated. Alternatively, select the device and choose the **"Apply Credentials"** option from more options.

![Apply credentials](https://www.manageengine.com/network-configuration-manager/kb/kb-images/rest-credentials.png)

- To use just REST credentials, select **REST API** from the protocol dropdown.  
  *(Note: This option is available only for selected device templates.)*  
  To use the combination of REST and CLI credentials, select any other protocol.
- For CLI credentials, provide the credentials under the **Primary** and **Additional** tabs.  
  *(These tabs will not be available if the REST API protocol is selected in the first step.)*
- To provide REST credentials, open the **REST API** tab.
- When a CLI protocol is chosen, first enable the option to use REST API credentials under this tab to view the remaining parameters. Check the **"Use rest API for communication whenever applicable"** checkbox.
- Select the protocol to connect to the device (**http / https**).
- Enter values for the remaining required parameters.  
  *(These parameters differ for each device template. Some fields will be populated with default values, which can be modified according to device requirements.)*
- Click the **"Save"** button.

**Note:**

- As of now, the **"Save and Test"** option does not work for REST credentials.
- REST API is currently supported only for selected vendors. Support for additional vendors is being added continuously.
- For any queries, please contact the NCM support team at ncm-support@manageengine.com.