How to Set Up Row-Level Security (RLS) with PocketBase
To set up RLS with PocketBase, define security policies directly at the database level. PocketBase uses PostgreSQL's native row-level security to restrict data access per user, ensuring each user only sees the rows they're authorized to view.
Why Use PocketBase for This?
As a backend-as-a-service platform, PocketBase reduces the boilerplate needed to set up row-level security (rls) by providing managed infrastructure and pre-built modules. Developers choose PocketBase for this task because it reduces setup time and provides reliable, well-documented APIs.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Row-Level Security (RLS) with PocketBase
Enable RLS on your tables
In your PocketBase dashboard, navigate to your table and enable row-level security. This blocks all access by default until you define explicit policies.
Create read policies
Define SELECT policies that match rows to the authenticated user. Use the built-in auth functions to compare the row's user_id with the current session user.
Create write policies
Add INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE policies. Ensure users can only modify their own data by checking the user ID in each policy condition.
Test with different users
Log in as different test users and verify each can only see and modify their own data. Check that unauthenticated requests are properly blocked.
Common Pitfalls When Setting Up with PocketBase
Enabling RLS without defining policies blocks all access — always create at least a basic read policy before enabling RLS on a table.
Using service keys in client-side code — service keys bypass RLS entirely, which defeats the purpose of row-level security.
Not testing with multiple user accounts — RLS bugs often only surface when different users access the same data.
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