Technology

A Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up a Google OAuth App

By Aresh Mishra

Learn step-by-step how Google OAuth 2.0 works to simplify login and boost the security of your company's web application.

Adding login features to your new web app might seem tricky with terms like "OAuth 2.0 tokens." But, using secure sign-in from big platforms like Google can make things easier.

OAuth 2.0 authentication is a popular framework for letting apps access user data from platforms like Google. It's a secure method for adding user login and permissions to your app.

For non-tech founders, this can seem daunting amidst business tasks. So, this post is a simple guide to setting up the Google OAuth app.

Understanding these open authentication protocols will help organisations new to single sign-on solutions. Let's begin exploring the ABCs of OAuth!

Understanding How OAuth Works

OAuth 2.0 authentication might sound complex. But, it's a straightforward way for apps to access user data without handling passwords directly. Let's break down how OAuth works step-by-step.

When you try to log in to a new app with the Google signup option, it redirects you to Google's consent page. Once you agree to share requested info like email ID, Google gives the app an access token.

This token acts like a secure key confirming identity without revealing the password. The app sends it to Google servers to verify you granted permission and retrieve the agreed profile data.

If you try to revoke access later, it will delete the token. So, apps never gain direct control of critical account credentials in this flow, enhancing privacy.

OAuth establishes this chain of trust between tools you already use, like Gmail and new apps. This enables streamlining signups with better account protection than traditional approaches.

Preparing for Your First Google OAuth App Setup

Before delving into how OAuth works, understanding common web development concepts is essential.

Google Account

Create one dedicated account for testing purposes separately from your personal email. Apply multi-factor authentication for added security.

Basic API (Application Programming Interface) Awareness

APIs allow different applications to communicate with each other by linking their functionalities. OAuth utilises APIs behind the scenes to enable user data flows.

Prior Platform Experience

If you’re new to Google's offerings, explore their workspace to understand how permissions and products are connected.

Project Scoping

Define what use cases your app requires authenticated access for. Is it sending emails via Gmail API, Google Calendar integration, or Google Drive document access? Limit app permission requests to only those necessary.

So, ensure the use case specifics and fundamentals are clear. It will set you up for the OAuth configuration in the Google Cloud console. You can develop cheat sheets on business functionality needs or user journeys to see what APIs help those.

Creating Your First Google OAuth App

Armed with the prerequisites, navigating the technical configuration is smoother. Let's create our inaugural test OAuth app client in Google's dashboard.

Login to Google Cloud Console using your dev-specific Google account and create a new project. Give it an identifiable name like "My Test OAuth Client".
Hop onto the OAuth Consent Screen dashboard under API Credentials. Configure consent requirements like app logo, user data usage, Terms of Service, and publishing status.
Under Credentials, choose –

Create Credentials -> OAuth Client ID -> Configure your application type as Web Application for websites or iOS/Android for mobile apps.

Specify authorised domains and redirects to enable redirecting users to your app post authentication by Google Sign-In.
Download the auto-generated Client ID and Client Secret unique to your project for implementation.

Behind the scenes, the consent screen allows users to review access permissions sought before approving sign-in. The downloadable client credentials help integrate the OAuth functionality for streamlined authentication flows.

With the core client project configuration wrapped, we're ready to access user data securely! Next, let's properly leverage these credentials within our app.

Configuring OAuth 2.0 Client Credentials Securely

Within the Google Cloud under Credentials, developers generate two ID information during OAuth client creation:

Client ID: Unique public token mapping the OAuth app identity on Google servers.
Client Secret: Sensitive credentials with privileged access scoped to the app like a password.

Securing these tokens is crucial because crackers may compromise client secrets. It enables them to impersonate the app and access user data.

Here are some best practices to follow:

Restrict client secret visibility on a need-to-know access basis.
Store secrets as environment variables; avoid directly embedding in code.
Rotate secrets frequently or disable them when not in use.
Enable 2-factor authentication for console access, adding a second verification step.

Additionally, set up monitoring alerts to track suspicious activities. These include sudden traffic spikes that may suggest unauthorised usage through stolen keys. Stay vigilant!

Integrating Google OAuth Credentials in Your App

Now, we have an authorised OAuth client set up in Google Cloud. It's time to enable user login flows with the help of the downloaded credentials.

You need to:

Install Google Sign-In libraries in the app environment.
Pass your unique Client ID and Secret to initiate authentication flows.
Redirect users to your app post-sign-in via predefined URIs (uniform resource identifiers).
Use ID tokens to access user profile information securely.
Build logout functionality to clear tokens when required.

The Google Identity Platform documentation provides excellent guides on libraries and methods. It also includes the best practices to integrate OAuth flows across Javascript, Java, Python, and more.

By tapping into a robust Google Sign-In kit, you enable streamlined, authenticated experiences!

Testing and Troubleshooting Your OAuth Integration

After completing the OAuth 2.0 authentication integration, focus on thorough user flow testing pre-launch. Rather than taking correct functionality for granted, smart validation allows for catching issues early.

For instance, manually trigger new user sign-up flows via Google OAuth login. Confirm the consent page shows minimal and relevant permission requests for data access. It will create verified entries after authentication.

Then, review your app's access logs after simulated runs. It’ll ensure OAuth token exchanges fetch only user profiles and scoped Google API data specified during development.

Additionally, test authorisation revoking processes allow users to retract connected app permissions. Try multiple scenarios like expired refresh tokens to check for failures.

While troubleshooting, use flags for implementation to catch errors for convenient debugging. Browser test for consistency across Safari, Firefox, and Chrome for uniform behaviour. Plot edge use cases upfront, e.g. logout with active transactions.

Investing in rigorous end-to-end validation and pre-emptive diagnostics. This will help bolster customer experience and confidence in the platform.

Conclusion

Google OAuth lets apps use logins from big names like Google instead of creating new passwords. This makes logging in easier for users and safer than old-school passwords.

Companies like GrowthJockey can make setting this up easier. Our experts can also show you how to use the data for marketing to grow your business.

With hands-on help, OAuth isn't so hard to grasp for business leaders. It helps them see how technology can meet their needs for managing identities and access.

With modern methods like OAuth 2.0, security becomes simpler. You don't need to be a coding pro to understand and plan your app's security.

FAQs

1. What is Google OAuth, and how does it work?

Google OAuth lets apps access Google account data without needing passwords. It uses tokens to verify identities and share Google account details, but only after the user gives permission.

2. Why is OAuth 2.0 authentication recommended?

OAuth 2.0 is ideal for secure app login due to its token-based approach. It separates authentication from apps handling credentials directly. This reduces password risks while retaining user privacy controls.

3. Can I use Google OAuth for free in my application?

Yes, developers can integrate Google OAuth into commercial or personal applications for free. It’s possible by using Google Sign-In for streamlined open authentication flows without costs.

4. How do you set up the Google OAuth App?

First, you must open a Google account and create a project in Google Cloud Console. Then, enable the OAuth consent screen and create an OAuth 2.0 client ID/secret credential.

Configure the URLs as per the app platform - web or Android/iOS- to complete the process.

5. Where can I find API documentation for developers on Google OAuth?

Google OAuth is a free API for developers. The API documentation around Google OAuth flows for developers is available on the Google Identity Platform site covering –