What Is OAuth?

What Is OAuth?

OAuth is the technology that lets you grant one app limited access to your account on another — like "Sign in with Google" — without ever sharing your password.

It matters because it makes connecting services both convenient and safer. You give specific, revocable permissions rather than handing over your login, which protects your accounts.

An Everyday Analogy

OAuth is like a hotel key card. The front desk gives a card that opens only your room for your stay — it never hands over the master key. You can hand it back, and access ends.

  • Grants limited access, not your password.
  • You choose what the app can see or do.
  • Access can be revoked at any time.
  • Powers "Sign in with..." buttons.

Why It Matters to You

OAuth balances convenience with security for you and your customers.

  • Faster sign-up and login for your users.
  • Passwords are never shared between services.
  • Permissions are precise and reversible.
  • A trusted standard used across the industry.

If you need a hand with any of this, your Progressive Robot delivery team is ready to help. Raise a ticket from the Support area of your client portal or speak to your account manager and we will guide you through the next steps.

Did you find this article useful?

  • What Is HTML?

    What Is HTML? HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the language used to describe the structure of eve...
  • What Is CSS?

    What Is CSS? CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is the language that controls how a web page looks — the c...
  • What Is JavaScript?

    What Is JavaScript? JavaScript is the programming language that makes web pages interactive. When so...
  • What Is an API?

    What Is an API? An API (Application Programming Interface) is a defined way for two pieces of softwa...
  • What Is the Cloud?

    What Is the Cloud? The cloud simply means computing power, storage and software that run on someone ...