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OAuth Device Authorization Grant
All IAM glossary termsProtocols · glossary

OAuth Device Authorization Grant

Also known as: OAuth Device Flow · Device Code Flow

Definition

The OAuth Device Authorization Grant (RFC 8628) lets devices with limited input (smart TVs, CLI tools, IoT) initiate an OAuth flow that the user completes on a separate device.

In more depth

The flow: the device requests a device_code + user_code from the authorization server, displays the user_code + verification URL to the user, and polls the token endpoint while the user authenticates on their phone/laptop. Once approved, the device receives access + refresh tokens.

This is how `gcloud auth login` works, how Apple TV signs in to streaming apps, and how many CLI tools authenticate. It's an essential pattern for headless / constrained devices.

Related terms
  • OAuth 2.1 · Protocols
  • Authorization Code Flow · Protocols
Deeper reading
  • OAuth Flow Visualizer
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