Id token vs access token. It is often used by your app.
Id token vs access token An id_token is a JWT and represents the logged in user. chiarelli Welcome to an informative exploration into OpenID Connect (OIDC) territory, focusing on three key components that underpin its operation: the ID Token, Access Token, and Refresh Token. Access token - An access token is a security token issued by an authorization server as part of an OAuth 2. See examples of JWT tokens and how they are used for authentication and authorization. , “who” the user is, how and when they authenticated). The header for the access token has the same structure as the ID token. Confidential clients should validate ID tokens. Let's start by depicting the scenario where the access token fits: In the diagram above, a client application wants to access a resource , e. You shouldn't use an ID token to call an API. Descope is a CIAM platform that simplifies token management for developers. Should I use the ID token or the access token? 🤔 The ID token looks nicer to me. ID tokens are JWTs May 14, 2025 · ID tokens differ from access tokens, which serve as proof of authorization. Confusing ID Tokens and Access Tokens Leads to Vulnerabilities. In an OIDC flow, the identity token is returned to your client application (such as a single-page app or mobile client) once the user has successfully logged in. The primary pitfall with ID tokens lies in their misuse. An identity token: Dec 21, 2023 · Access token vs ID token. Third-party applications are intended to understand ID tokens. Learn the roles, claims, and validation of the tokens from experts and links. It is often used by your app. Although client applications can receive and use access tokens, they should be treated as opaque strings. Here are some further differences between ID tokens and access tokens: ID tokens are meant to be read by the OAuth client. Mar 21, 2025 · The Microsoft identity platform authenticates users and provides security tokens, such as access tokens, refresh tokens, and ID tokens. ID tokens can be sent alongside or instead of an access token and are always in JWT (JSON Web Token) format. Access tokens are for resource access delegation, while ID tokens are for user authentication and identity information. /userinfo) or an API you define in Auth0. Access tokens are meant to be read by the resource server. Access tokens are used to grant access to resources, acting like keys to data or functionalities. Some developers use May 14, 2025 · Therefore, they are sensitive credentials and pose a security risk if not handled correctly. Amazon Cognito signs access tokens with a different key from the key that signs ID tokens. Nov 8, 2022 · ID Token and Access Token will bring the same result, if you limit discussion to getting user information only. Both access tokens and ID tokens serve distinct purposes in the OAuth2 and OIDC ecosystem: Access Token: An access token is used to access protected May 17, 2023 · When an access token is presented to a server, the server can verify it and provide the requested data. ID Tokens. After all, if I know who the user is, I can make better authorization decisions, right?” Read more… 🏻 Brought to you by @andrea. 0 and OpenID Connect. In contrast, ID tokens are used to authenticate the user's identity Sep 21, 2021 · “Let’s use a token to secure this API call. While both access tokens and ID tokens are JWT-based tokens that are crucial in the authentication process, their purposes differ significantly. In your app code, verify ID tokens and access tokens Jul 19, 2015 · An access_token is useful to call certain APIs in Auth0 (e. The ID token may also contain information about the user such as their name or email address, although that is not a requirement of an ID token. Apr 26, 2024 · Understanding Access Tokens and ID Tokens. Let’s look at how mixing up ID and access tokens can introduce security vulnerabilities. Do not use ID tokens for authorization purposes. Access tokens differ from ID tokens which serve as proof of authentication. Access tokens are used for authorization. In the case of Access Token, you can get user information by presenting the Access Token at the userinfo endopoint. OpenID Connect (OIDC) – A Brief Overview OpenID Connect (OIDC) serves as […] The header for the access token has the same structure as the ID token. The value of an access key ID (kid) claim won't match the value of the kid claim in an ID token from the same user session. g. In the case of ID Token, you can find user information in the payload part of the ID Token. However, the key ID (kid) is different because different keys are used to sign ID tokens and access tokens. Oct 28, 2021 · Now that you know what an ID token is, let’s try to understand what an access token is. , an API or anything else which is protected from unauthorized access. Access tokens enable clients to securely call protected web APIs. Jan 31, 2018 · For example, you can use the access token to grant your user access to add, change, or delete user attributes. A refresh_token (only to be used by a mobile/desktop app) doesn't expire (but is revokable) and it allows you to obtain freshly minted access_tokens and id 6 days ago · 当应用希望读写用户的日历数据时，应用需要携带返回的 Access Token 访问谷歌的 日历 API。 绝对不要使用 Access Token 做认证。Access Token 本身不能标识用户是否已经认证。 Access Token 中只包含了用户 id，在 sub 字段。在你开发的应用中，应该将 Access Token 视为一个 . Apr 26, 2024 · Learn the difference between access tokens and ID tokens in OAuth2 and OpenID Connect, and when to use each in your applications. Learn the differences and purposes of access tokens, ID tokens and refresh tokens in OpenID Connect. Oct 18, 2024 · Learn how ID tokens and access tokens differ in purpose, scope, lifespan, and format, and how they work together in authentication and authorization. Oct 24, 2024 · When a user successfully authenticates, the authorization server issues an ID token that contains claims that carry information about the user. These tokens are fundamental to fully leverage OIDC’s secure user authentication and streamlined access to resources. 0 flow Mar 7, 2025 · What Is an Identity token? Identity tokens confirm the user’s identity and carry user-centric data (e. Security tokens allow a client application to access protected resources on a resource server. Oct 11, 2017 · A question and answers about the difference and usage of id_token and access_token in OAuth 2. tlucipczjfzcjchuztpriftdyleyogofrimhninveqbqyxeudhsqlmon