OAuth (Open Authorisation)
An authentication standard that lets users grant third-party apps access to their accounts without sharing passwords. Most modern SaaS tools use OAuth for API access. OAuth tokens expire and require refresh logic in long-running automations.
Expert insight
OAuth tokens that expire mid-workflow silently break it. Always build token refresh logic into long-running automations.
In a real workflow
A workflow connects to Google Drive through OAuth, so it never stores a password and access can be revoked from Google.
Common mistakes
- Requesting far more permissions than the workflow needs.
- Not handling expired refresh tokens.
Complexity level
Requires some familiarity with automation concepts.
Related terms
See it in action
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Go deeper
Guides that cover OAuth
n8n HTTP Request Node: Complete Documentation and Examples
The HTTP Request node is the most used node in n8n, connecting your workflows to any API or web service. This guide covers every configuration option, authentication method, error handling pattern, and real-world example you need.
Stripe to QuickBooks Integration: The Automation That Eliminates Manual Bookkeeping
Every Stripe payment that gets manually re-entered into QuickBooks costs 4-7 minutes and carries a 12% error rate. Here is the integration that ends that entirely, syncing every charge, refund, and subscription event in real time.
The plumber paradox: why free tools still need paid experts.
n8n is free. Make is almost free. YouTube has unlimited tutorials. So why do businesses pay $5,000+ for automation services? The answer is the same reason plumbers charge $150/hour.