OAuth
An authorization framework used to let one application access another service on a user's behalf within an approved scope.
Plain English
A user grants an application limited access without giving it the password for the other service.
In context
OAuth defines delegated authorization flows using access tokens scopes clients and authorization servers and is commonly encountered in integrations and consent screens.
Example
“The calendar integration uses OAuth to request read-only access to the user's events.”
When you'll hear this
- third-party integration
- API authorization
- consent design
Common misunderstanding
OAuth is an authorization framework rather than a login protocol by itself and does not alone prove the user's identity.
Also known as
OAuth 2.0OAuth2Open Authorization
Commonly used by
Related terms
Often compared with
Updated: 2026-08-28
