What is OAuth: Do You Need It?

What is OAuth, and do I need it?

OAuth is an authentication protocol that enables applications to request access to user's data.  The application sends the user’s browser to a predefined URL to start the authorization process and displays the consent screen showing what access is being requested. Once the user approves access, the server responds by redirecting the browser to the client’s app. 

While Google OAuth is required in order to use Google Contacts in your Contact Picker, Microsoft and Yahoo OAuth are not required. However, we do recommend that users create their own Microsoft and Yahoo OAuth in order to customize the OAuth screens to match your brand.

Check out our articles on getting started with OAuth here

If you need anything, we’re happy to help at support@cloudsponge.com. It’ll help us procrastinate on our projects longer.
    • Related Articles

    • Do I need to complete OAuth in order to use CloudSponge?

      While Yahoo, AOL, and Microsoft are optional (but highly recommended) Google OAuth must be completed before Google Contacts will show in your Contact Picker. Google has strict requirements that everyone must follow. Click here to learn more about ...
    • How do I get approved for Google OAuth?

      We have written an exhaustive guide on getting approved for Google OAuth here. We recommend watching this video before you begin: *Google has updated their requirement for the privacy policy and has provided this example that can be added to yours, ...
    • Can CloudSponge help with my Google OAuth project?

      We're happy to help our customers through the OAuth process. We even offer a concierge service to enable Google for your Contact Picker. Alternatively, if you would rather do it yourself, you can also add us to your existing project; we will help ...
    • Why isn’t Google Contacts showing up in my Contact Picker?

      By default, Google will not be in your Contact Picker until you start your Google OAuth project. We did this intentionally so as to not display errors to your site users. Once you start your OAuth project, Google will automatically appear in your ...
    • What is a proxy URL

      The Proxy URL lets the OAuth providers (Google, Yahoo or Outlook.com) know that you are asking CloudSponge to get the address book for you. The sole purpose of this page is to accept the OAuth code parameter from the provider and “proxy” it to ...