diff --git a/tests/auth.spec.js b/tests/auth.spec.js
index d81f03b30..4c7078ec6 100644
--- a/tests/auth.spec.js
+++ b/tests/auth.spec.js
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ test.use({ baseURL: baseUrl() });
 const BASIC = "basics.evcc.yaml";
 
 test("set initial password", async ({ page }) => {
-  await start(BASIC);
+  await start(BASIC, null, "");
   await page.goto("/");
 
   const modal = page.getByTestId("password-modal");
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ test("set initial password", async ({ page }) => {
 });
 
 test("login", async ({ page }) => {
-  await start(BASIC, "password.sql");
+  await start(BASIC, "password.sql", "");
   await page.goto("/");
 
   // go to config
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ test("login", async ({ page }) => {
 });
 
 test("http iframe hint", async ({ page }) => {
-  await start(BASIC, "password.sql");
+  await start(BASIC, "password.sql", "");
   await page.goto("/");
 
   // go to config
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ test("http iframe hint", async ({ page }) => {
 });
 
 test("update password", async ({ page }) => {
-  await start(BASIC, "password.sql");
+  await start(BASIC, "password.sql", "");
   await page.goto("/");
 
   const oldPassword = "secret";
diff --git a/tests/basics.spec.js b/tests/basics.spec.js
index 4a8504143..a832d9562 100644
--- a/tests/basics.spec.js
+++ b/tests/basics.spec.js
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import { start, stop, baseUrl } from "./evcc";
 test.use({ baseURL: baseUrl() });
 
 test.beforeAll(async () => {
-  await start("basics.evcc.yaml", "password.sql");
+  await start("basics.evcc.yaml");
 });
 test.afterAll(async () => {
   await stop();
diff --git a/tests/battery-settings.spec.js b/tests/battery-settings.spec.js
index 42fe67c25..4dba33b1a 100644
--- a/tests/battery-settings.spec.js
+++ b/tests/battery-settings.spec.js
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import { enableExperimental } from "./utils";
 test.use({ baseURL: baseUrl() });
 
 test.beforeAll(async () => {
-  await start("battery-settings.evcc.yaml", "password.sql");
+  await start("battery-settings.evcc.yaml");
 });
 test.afterAll(async () => {
   await stop();
diff --git a/tests/boot.spec.js b/tests/boot.spec.js
index 0b2e983a0..4df26c124 100644
--- a/tests/boot.spec.js
+++ b/tests/boot.spec.js
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import { enableExperimental } from "./utils";
 test.use({ baseURL: baseUrl() });
 
 test.beforeAll(async () => {
-  await start("battery-settings.evcc.yaml", "password.sql");
+  await start("battery-settings.evcc.yaml");
 });
 test.afterAll(async () => {
   await stop();
diff --git a/tests/config-battery.spec.js b/tests/config-battery.spec.js
index 2a86c6417..9cb90ee6f 100644
--- a/tests/config-battery.spec.js
+++ b/tests/config-battery.spec.js
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import { test, expect } from "@playwright/test";
 import { start, stop, restart, baseUrl } from "./evcc";
 import { startSimulator, stopSimulator, simulatorUrl, simulatorHost } from "./simulator";
-import { enableExperimental, login } from "./utils";
+import { enableExperimental } from "./utils";
 
 const CONFIG_GRID_ONLY = "config-grid-only.evcc.yaml";
 
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ test.use({ baseURL: baseUrl() });
 
 test.beforeAll(async () => {
   await startSimulator();
-  await start(CONFIG_GRID_ONLY, "password.sql");
+  await start(CONFIG_GRID_ONLY);
 });
 test.afterAll(async () => {
   await stop();
@@ -25,7 +25,6 @@ test.describe("battery meter", async () => {
     await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Apply changes" }).click();
 
     await page.goto("/#/config");
-    await login(page);
     await enableExperimental(page);
 
     await expect(page.getByTestId("battery")).toHaveCount(0);
@@ -73,7 +72,6 @@ test.describe("battery meter", async () => {
 
   test("advanced fields", async ({ page }) => {
     await page.goto("/#/config");
-    await login(page);
     await enableExperimental(page);
 
     await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Add solar or battery" }).click();
diff --git a/tests/config-grid.spec.js b/tests/config-grid.spec.js
index dac01b1a0..d10fc352b 100644
--- a/tests/config-grid.spec.js
+++ b/tests/config-grid.spec.js
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import { test, expect } from "@playwright/test";
 import { start, stop, restart, baseUrl } from "./evcc";
 import { startSimulator, stopSimulator, simulatorUrl, simulatorHost } from "./simulator";
-import { enableExperimental, login } from "./utils";
+import { enableExperimental } from "./utils";
 
 const CONFIG_EMPTY = "config-empty.evcc.yaml";
 
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ test.use({ baseURL: baseUrl() });
 
 test.beforeAll(async () => {
   await startSimulator();
-  await start(CONFIG_EMPTY, "password.sql");
+  await start(CONFIG_EMPTY);
 });
 test.afterAll(async () => {
   await stop();
@@ -32,7 +32,6 @@ test.describe("grid meter", async () => {
     await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Apply changes" }).click();
 
     await page.goto("/#/config");
-    await login(page);
     await enableExperimental(page);
 
     await expect(page.getByTestId("grid")).toHaveCount(1);
diff --git a/tests/config-messaging.spec.js b/tests/config-messaging.spec.js
index fa7fe88a0..c0b55f5b6 100644
--- a/tests/config-messaging.spec.js
+++ b/tests/config-messaging.spec.js
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import { test, expect } from "@playwright/test";
 import { start, stop, baseUrl } from "./evcc";
-import { enableExperimental, login } from "./utils";
+import { enableExperimental } from "./utils";
 
 const CONFIG_GRID_ONLY = "config-grid-only.evcc.yaml";
 
@@ -14,13 +14,12 @@ const SELECT_ALL = "ControlOrMeta+KeyA";
 
 async function goToConfig(page) {
   await page.goto("/#/config");
-  await login(page);
   await enableExperimental(page);
 }
 
 test.describe("messaging", async () => {
   test("save a comment", async ({ page }) => {
-    await start(CONFIG_GRID_ONLY, "password.sql");
+    await start(CONFIG_GRID_ONLY);
     await goToConfig(page);
 
     await page.getByTestId("messaging").getByRole("button", { name: "edit" }).click();
diff --git a/tests/config-mqtt.spec.js b/tests/config-mqtt.spec.js
index d2dacaba6..abec62f54 100644
--- a/tests/config-mqtt.spec.js
+++ b/tests/config-mqtt.spec.js
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import { test, expect } from "@playwright/test";
 import { start, stop, restart, baseUrl } from "./evcc";
-import { enableExperimental, login } from "./utils";
+import { enableExperimental } from "./utils";
 
 const CONFIG = "config-grid-only.evcc.yaml";
 
@@ -8,9 +8,8 @@ test.use({ baseURL: baseUrl() });
 test.describe.configure({ mode: "parallel" });
 
 test.beforeEach(async ({ page }) => {
-  await start(CONFIG, "password.sql");
+  await start(CONFIG);
   await page.goto("/#/config");
-  await login(page);
   await enableExperimental(page);
 });
 
diff --git a/tests/config-tariffs.spec.js b/tests/config-tariffs.spec.js
index fa554a04a..9d900497b 100644
--- a/tests/config-tariffs.spec.js
+++ b/tests/config-tariffs.spec.js
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import { test, expect } from "@playwright/test";
 import { start, stop, restart, baseUrl } from "./evcc";
-import { enableExperimental, login } from "./utils";
+import { enableExperimental } from "./utils";
+
 const CONFIG_GRID_ONLY = "config-grid-only.evcc.yaml";
 const CONFIG_WITH_TARIFFS = "config-with-tariffs.evcc.yaml";
 
@@ -15,13 +16,12 @@ const SELECT_ALL = "ControlOrMeta+KeyA";
 
 async function goToConfig(page) {
   await page.goto("/#/config");
-  await login(page);
   await enableExperimental(page);
 }
 
 test.describe("tariffs", async () => {
   test("tariffs not configured", async ({ page }) => {
-    await start(CONFIG_GRID_ONLY, "password.sql");
+    await start(CONFIG_GRID_ONLY);
     await goToConfig(page);
 
     await expect(page.getByTestId("tariffs")).toBeVisible();
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ test.describe("tariffs", async () => {
   });
 
   test("tariffs via ui", async ({ page }) => {
-    await start(CONFIG_GRID_ONLY, "password.sql");
+    await start(CONFIG_GRID_ONLY);
     await goToConfig(page);
 
     await page.getByTestId("tariffs").getByRole("button", { name: "edit" }).click();
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ test.describe("tariffs", async () => {
   });
 
   test("tariffs from evcc.yaml", async ({ page }) => {
-    await start(CONFIG_WITH_TARIFFS, "password.sql");
+    await start(CONFIG_WITH_TARIFFS);
     await goToConfig(page);
 
     await expect(page.getByTestId("tariffs")).toBeVisible();
diff --git a/tests/config-vehicles.spec.js b/tests/config-vehicles.spec.js
index d153f777f..ada5c4ee4 100644
--- a/tests/config-vehicles.spec.js
+++ b/tests/config-vehicles.spec.js
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import { test, expect } from "@playwright/test";
 import { start, stop, restart, baseUrl } from "./evcc";
-import { enableExperimental, login } from "./utils";
+import { enableExperimental } from "./utils";
 
 const CONFIG_GRID_ONLY = "config-grid-only.evcc.yaml";
 const CONFIG_WITH_VEHICLE = "config-with-vehicle.evcc.yaml";
@@ -14,10 +14,9 @@ test.afterEach(async () => {
 
 test.describe("vehicles", async () => {
   test("create, edit and delete vehicles", async ({ page }) => {
-    await start(CONFIG_GRID_ONLY, "password.sql");
+    await start(CONFIG_GRID_ONLY);
 
     await page.goto("/#/config");
-    await login(page);
     await enableExperimental(page);
 
     await expect(page.getByTestId("vehicle")).toHaveCount(0);
@@ -65,10 +64,9 @@ test.describe("vehicles", async () => {
   });
 
   test("config should survive restart", async ({ page }) => {
-    await start(CONFIG_GRID_ONLY, "password.sql");
+    await start(CONFIG_GRID_ONLY);
 
     await page.goto("/#/config");
-    await login(page);
     await enableExperimental(page);
 
     await expect(page.getByTestId("vehicle")).toHaveCount(0);
@@ -99,10 +97,9 @@ test.describe("vehicles", async () => {
   });
 
   test("mixed config (yaml + db)", async ({ page }) => {
-    await start(CONFIG_WITH_VEHICLE, "password.sql");
+    await start(CONFIG_WITH_VEHICLE);
 
     await page.goto("/#/config");
-    await login(page);
     await enableExperimental(page);
 
     await expect(page.getByTestId("vehicle")).toHaveCount(1);
@@ -120,10 +117,9 @@ test.describe("vehicles", async () => {
   });
 
   test("advanced fields", async ({ page }) => {
-    await start(CONFIG_GRID_ONLY, "password.sql");
+    await start(CONFIG_GRID_ONLY);
 
     await page.goto("/#/config");
-    await login(page);
     await enableExperimental(page);
 
     await page.getByTestId("add-vehicle").click();
@@ -159,10 +155,9 @@ test.describe("vehicles", async () => {
   });
 
   test("save and restore rfid identifiers", async ({ page }) => {
-    await start(CONFIG_GRID_ONLY, "password.sql");
+    await start(CONFIG_GRID_ONLY);
 
     await page.goto("/#/config");
-    await login(page);
     await enableExperimental(page);
 
     await page.getByTestId("add-vehicle").click();
diff --git a/tests/config.spec.js b/tests/config.spec.js
index 08329a84e..229c81ede 100644
--- a/tests/config.spec.js
+++ b/tests/config.spec.js
@@ -1,13 +1,13 @@
 import { test, expect } from "@playwright/test";
 import { start, stop, baseUrl } from "./evcc";
-import { enableExperimental, login } from "./utils";
+import { enableExperimental } from "./utils";
 
 const CONFIG_GRID_ONLY = "config-grid-only.evcc.yaml";
 
 test.use({ baseURL: baseUrl() });
 
 test.beforeAll(async () => {
-  await start(CONFIG_GRID_ONLY, "password.sql");
+  await start(CONFIG_GRID_ONLY);
 });
 test.afterAll(async () => {
   await stop();
@@ -18,12 +18,10 @@ test.describe("basics", async () => {
     await page.goto("/");
     await page.getByTestId("topnavigation-button").click();
     await page.getByRole("link", { name: "Configuration" }).click();
-    await login(page);
     await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: "Configuration" })).toBeVisible();
   });
   test.skip("alert box should always be visible", async ({ page }) => {
     await page.goto("/#/config");
-    await login(page);
     await enableExperimental(page);
     await expect(page.getByRole("alert")).toBeVisible();
   });
@@ -37,7 +35,6 @@ test.describe("general", async () => {
 
     // change value in config
     await page.goto("/#/config");
-    await login(page);
     await enableExperimental(page);
 
     await expect(page.getByTestId("generalconfig-title")).toContainText("Hello World");
diff --git a/tests/evcc.js b/tests/evcc.js
index 686d7169a..a9d4bf1cf 100644
--- a/tests/evcc.js
+++ b/tests/evcc.js
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ function dbPath() {
   return path.join(os.tmpdir(), file);
 }
 
-export async function start(config, sqlDumps, flags) {
+export async function start(config, sqlDumps, flags = "--disable-auth") {
   await _clean();
   if (sqlDumps) {
     await _restoreDatabase(sqlDumps);
@@ -55,9 +55,9 @@ export async function stop(instance) {
   await _clean();
 }
 
-export async function restart(config) {
+export async function restart(config, flags = "--disable-auth") {
   await _stop();
-  await _start(config);
+  await _start(config, flags);
 }
 
 export async function cleanRestart(config, sqlDumps) {
diff --git a/tests/heating.spec.js b/tests/heating.spec.js
index d11df1968..468b23d2e 100644
--- a/tests/heating.spec.js
+++ b/tests/heating.spec.js
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import { start, stop, baseUrl } from "./evcc";
 test.use({ baseURL: baseUrl() });
 
 test.beforeAll(async () => {
-  await start("heating.evcc.yaml", "password.sql");
+  await start("heating.evcc.yaml");
 });
 test.afterAll(async () => {
   await stop();
diff --git a/tests/limits.spec.js b/tests/limits.spec.js
index 2aa058955..6ddd51200 100644
--- a/tests/limits.spec.js
+++ b/tests/limits.spec.js
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ test.afterAll(async () => {
 });
 
 test.beforeEach(async ({ page }) => {
-  await start(simulatorConfig(), "password.sql");
+  await start(simulatorConfig());
 
   await page.goto(simulatorUrl());
   await page.getByLabel("Grid Power").fill("500");
diff --git a/tests/logs.spec.js b/tests/logs.spec.js
index 3d21c0f6b..b92af0cc6 100644
--- a/tests/logs.spec.js
+++ b/tests/logs.spec.js
@@ -1,11 +1,10 @@
 import { test, expect } from "@playwright/test";
 import { start, stop, baseUrl } from "./evcc";
-import { login } from "./utils";
 
 test.use({ baseURL: baseUrl() });
 
 test.beforeAll(async () => {
-  await start("basics.evcc.yaml", "password.sql");
+  await start("basics.evcc.yaml");
 });
 test.afterAll(async () => {
   await stop();
@@ -16,7 +15,6 @@ test.describe("opening logs", async () => {
     await page.goto("/");
     await page.getByTestId("topnavigation-button").click();
     await page.getByRole("link", { name: "Configuration" }).click();
-    await login(page);
     await page.getByRole("link", { name: "Logs" }).click();
     await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: "Logs", exact: false })).toBeVisible();
   });
@@ -25,7 +23,6 @@ test.describe("opening logs", async () => {
     await page.evaluate(() => window.app.raise({ message: "Fake Error" }));
     await page.getByTestId("notification-icon").click();
     await page.getByRole("link", { name: "View full logs" }).click();
-    await login(page);
     await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: "Logs", exact: false })).toBeVisible();
   });
   test("via need help", async ({ page }) => {
@@ -33,7 +30,6 @@ test.describe("opening logs", async () => {
     await page.getByTestId("topnavigation-button").click();
     await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Need Help?" }).click();
     await page.getByRole("link", { name: "View logs" }).click();
-    await login(page);
     await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: "Logs", exact: false })).toBeVisible();
   });
 });
@@ -41,7 +37,6 @@ test.describe("opening logs", async () => {
 test.describe("features", async () => {
   test("content", async ({ page }) => {
     await page.goto("/#/log");
-    await login(page);
     await page.getByTestId("log-search").fill("listening at");
     await expect(page.getByTestId("log-content")).toContainText("listening at");
   });
diff --git a/tests/modals.spec.js b/tests/modals.spec.js
index 7a7049e6e..560a77e0e 100644
--- a/tests/modals.spec.js
+++ b/tests/modals.spec.js
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 import { test, expect } from "@playwright/test";
 import { start, stop, baseUrl } from "./evcc";
 import { startSimulator, stopSimulator, simulatorConfig } from "./simulator";
-import { login } from "./utils";
 
 const BASICS_CONFIG = "basics.evcc.yaml";
 
@@ -11,7 +10,7 @@ test.use({ baseURL: baseUrl() });
 
 test.describe("Basics", async () => {
   test.beforeAll(async () => {
-    await start(BASICS_CONFIG, "password.sql");
+    await start(BASICS_CONFIG);
   });
 
   test.afterAll(async () => {
@@ -21,9 +20,6 @@ test.describe("Basics", async () => {
   test("Menu options. No battery and grid.", async ({ page }) => {
     for (const route of UI_ROUTES) {
       await page.goto(route);
-      if (route === "/#/config") {
-        await login(page);
-      }
 
       await page.getByTestId("topnavigation-button").click();
       await expect(page.getByRole("button", { name: "User Interface" })).toBeVisible();
@@ -53,7 +49,7 @@ test.describe("Basics", async () => {
 test.describe("Advanced", async () => {
   test.beforeAll(async () => {
     await startSimulator();
-    await start(simulatorConfig(), "password.sql");
+    await start(simulatorConfig());
   });
 
   test.afterAll(async () => {
@@ -64,9 +60,6 @@ test.describe("Advanced", async () => {
   test("Menu options. All available.", async ({ page }) => {
     for (const route of UI_ROUTES) {
       await page.goto(route);
-      if (route === "/#/config") {
-        await login(page);
-      }
 
       await page.getByTestId("topnavigation-button").click();
       await expect(page.getByRole("button", { name: "User Interface" })).toBeVisible();
diff --git a/tests/plan.spec.js b/tests/plan.spec.js
index 36f8641b5..c943c88e1 100644
--- a/tests/plan.spec.js
+++ b/tests/plan.spec.js
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ test.describe.configure({ mode: "parallel" });
 const CONFIG = "plan.evcc.yaml";
 
 test.beforeEach(async () => {
-  await start(CONFIG, "password.sql");
+  await start(CONFIG);
 });
 
 test.afterEach(async () => {
diff --git a/tests/sessions.spec.js b/tests/sessions.spec.js
index 12227ef69..47daa41ec 100644
--- a/tests/sessions.spec.js
+++ b/tests/sessions.spec.js
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ const mobile = devices["iPhone 12 Mini"].viewport;
 const desktop = devices["Desktop Chrome"].viewport;
 
 test.beforeAll(async () => {
-  await start("basics.evcc.yaml", ["password.sql", "sessions.sql"]);
+  await start("basics.evcc.yaml", "sessions.sql");
 });
 test.afterAll(async () => {
   await stop();
diff --git a/tests/smart-cost-only.spec.js b/tests/smart-cost-only.spec.js
index bb890f70c..06f8a5cc7 100644
--- a/tests/smart-cost-only.spec.js
+++ b/tests/smart-cost-only.spec.js
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import { start, stop, baseUrl } from "./evcc";
 test.use({ baseURL: baseUrl() });
 
 test.beforeAll(async () => {
-  await start("smart-cost-only.evcc.yaml", "password.sql");
+  await start("smart-cost-only.evcc.yaml");
 });
 test.afterAll(async () => {
   await stop();
diff --git a/tests/smart-cost.spec.js b/tests/smart-cost.spec.js
index d9110ef37..264b8ef89 100644
--- a/tests/smart-cost.spec.js
+++ b/tests/smart-cost.spec.js
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ test.use({ baseURL: baseUrl() });
 
 test.beforeAll(async () => {
   await startSimulator();
-  await start(simulatorConfig(), "password.sql");
+  await start(simulatorConfig());
 });
 test.afterAll(async () => {
   await stop();
diff --git a/tests/statistics.spec.js b/tests/statistics.spec.js
index a701e0423..a5c4400ea 100644
--- a/tests/statistics.spec.js
+++ b/tests/statistics.spec.js
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import { start, stop, baseUrl } from "./evcc";
 test.use({ baseURL: baseUrl() });
 
 test.beforeAll(async () => {
-  await start("statistics.evcc.yaml", ["password.sql", "statistics.sql"]);
+  await start("statistics.evcc.yaml", "statistics.sql");
 });
 test.afterAll(async () => {
   await stop();
diff --git a/tests/utils.js b/tests/utils.js
index 9a9fc2f09..da3f4d889 100644
--- a/tests/utils.js
+++ b/tests/utils.js
@@ -7,9 +7,3 @@ export async function enableExperimental(page) {
   await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Close" }).click();
   await expect(page.locator(".modal-backdrop")).not.toBeVisible();
 }
-
-export async function login(page) {
-  await page.locator("#loginPassword").fill("secret");
-  await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Login" }).click();
-  await expect(page.locator("#loginPassword")).not.toBeVisible();
-}
diff --git a/tests/vehicle-error.spec.js b/tests/vehicle-error.spec.js
index 205cdcf8b..0db78eb00 100644
--- a/tests/vehicle-error.spec.js
+++ b/tests/vehicle-error.spec.js
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import { start, stop, baseUrl } from "./evcc";
 test.use({ baseURL: baseUrl() });
 
 test.beforeAll(async () => {
-  await start("vehicle-error.evcc.yaml", "password.sql");
+  await start("vehicle-error.evcc.yaml");
 });
 test.afterAll(async () => {
   await stop();
diff --git a/tests/vehicle-settings.spec.js b/tests/vehicle-settings.spec.js
index 86b8199fd..9b514c6a1 100644
--- a/tests/vehicle-settings.spec.js
+++ b/tests/vehicle-settings.spec.js
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ test.afterAll(async () => {
 });
 
 test.beforeEach(async ({ page }) => {
-  await start(simulatorConfig(), "password.sql");
+  await start(simulatorConfig());
 
   await page.goto(simulatorUrl());
   await page.getByLabel("Grid Power").fill("500");