APIs & Integration
OAuth
Open Authorization
A standard that lets users grant apps limited access without sharing their password.
Example
A user approves calendar access through OAuth without sharing their calendar password.
Why it matters
It lets people connect useful services while limiting the access they grant.
You'll hear it
“Grant access to the calendar, not the whole account.”
Can you control it?
Sometimes
Sometimes. Some products or workflows let you influence OAuth, while others keep it fixed or manage it automatically. Check the settings and documentation for the tool you are using.
Common questions
- Does OAuth give an application my password?
- Normally no. You approve access with the account provider, which gives the app separate proof of permission.
- Is OAuth authentication or authorization?
- It primarily concerns what an app may access. Confirming a person's identity may use an additional sign-in system.
- What should I check on an OAuth consent screen?
- Check the app's identity, the requested access and whether it is necessary for what you want to do.