access token

An access token is an authorization string that provides secure access to content, data, and functionality in ArcGIS. The format is either an or an OAuth 2.0 token. Access tokens define the scope and permissions available to your application, and their capabilities vary based on the type of authentication used to obtain them.

There are three types of authentication that can be used to obtain an access token:

  • API key authentication: This creates a long-lived access token that grants your application access to and secure in your portal.
  • User authentication (formerly ArcGIS identity): This generates a short-lived token via OAuth 2.0, authorizing your application to access on behalf of a signed in .
  • App authentication: This generates a short-lived token via OAuth 2.0, authorizing your application to access and secure in your portal.

Also known as

  • authentication
  • credentials

Related terms

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You can no longer sign into this site. Go to your ArcGIS portal or the ArcGIS Location Platform dashboard to perform management tasks.

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Create, manage, and access API keys and OAuth 2.0 developer credentials, hosted layers, and data services.

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Learn more about these changes in the What's new in Esri Developers June 2024 blog post.

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