What is OAuth (Open Authorization) ? (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 9 Jan, 2026

OAuth is an open-standard authorization protocol that allows applications to access user data without requiring the user’s password. It enables secure delegated access, commonly seen in “Login with Google/Facebook” features.

• Prevents sharing passwords with third-party apps.
• Uses access tokens issued by an authorization server.
• Works over HTTP/HTTPS and supports web, mobile, and desktop apps.

Why OAuth Is Used

• To avoid sharing passwords with every app.
• To allow safe, controlled access to user data.
• To enable convenient single-click login and authorization.
• To support modern applications across the web, mobile, and APIs.

Components of the OAuth Mechanism

The service that verifies the user’s identity and issues access/refresh tokens.

• Stores and protects user accounts and data
• Handles login (authentication)
• Asks the user for permission (consent screen)
• Issues tokens used by applications to access APIs
• Examples: Google, Facebook, GitHub, Microsoft Azure

2. OAuth Client (Third-Party Application)

The application that requests access to the user’s data from the provider.

• Redirects the user to the provider for login
• Never sees the user’s password
• Uses access tokens to fetch data from APIs
• Must register with the provider to get a Client ID & Client Secret
• Examples: :, Reddit, mobile/desktop apps

3. Resource Owner (User)

The individual who owns the data and grants permission to share it.

• Approves or denies access through the consent screen
• Controls what information the client can access
• Can revoke permissions anytime from account settings
• Does not share their password with the OAuth Client

How OAuth Works

Below is the working flow of OAuth:

• User clicks “Login with Google”
• The OAuth Client redirects the user to Google.
• User logs in & grants permission
• Google verifies the user and asks what data the app can access.
• Authorization Server issues an Access Token
• Token is sent to the OAuth Client.
• Client uses Access Token to request data
• Access token is added to API requests.
• (Optional) Refresh Token is given
• Used to obtain new access tokens without re-login, useful for long-term access.

Types of OAuth Tokens

1. Access Token

A short-lived token that allows the client to access protected APIs on behalf of the user.

• Typically valid for minutes to an hour
• Sent with every API request (usually in the Authorization header)
• Cannot be used to refresh or extend sessions
• Scoped only provides access to specific permitted data
• If leaked, attackers can access user data temporarily

2. Refresh Token

A long-lived token used to obtain new access tokens without asking the user to log in again.

• Valid for days, months, or until revoked
• Never sent to APIs directly only exchanged with the provider
• Helps maintain persistent sessions securely
• Stored securely on the client (server-side apps, mobile secure storage)
• Can be revoked by the user or provider if suspicious activity occurs

Benefits of OAuth

Here are some benefits of OAuth:

• No password sharing with third-party apps
• Fine-grained permissions (only specific data is shared)
• Tokens can expire so it reduces risk
• Works across multiple platforms (web, Android, iOS, APIs)
• Supports secure single sign-on (SSO)