Lodgify
Technology

What is OAuth?

Updated 2026-05-28

OAuth, which stands for Open Authorization, is an open standard for access delegation. It is commonly used to grant websites or applications access to user information on other websites without sharing passwords.

For example, it allows a property management system (PMS) to access a host's listings on an Online Travel Agency (OTA) on their behalf. This is achieved by providing the third-party application with an access token that grants specific permissions for a limited time.

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How it works

When a user wants to connect two applications, such as a PMS and a channel like Airbnb, the first application (the client) requests authorization from the user. The user is redirected to the second application's (the resource server's) authorization page to log in and approve the request.

Once approved, the resource server provides an authorization token to the client application. The client can then use this token to make authorized API calls and access specific data on the user's behalf, ensuring that the user's direct login credentials are never shared.

Why it matters

OAuth is crucial for the modern vacation rental tech stack because it enables secure integrations between software platforms. It allows property managers to connect their PMS to OTAs, dynamic pricing tools, and other services without compromising login credentials.

For example, a PMS like Lodgify uses OAuth to build its secure API integration with platforms like Vrbo and Booking.com. This simplifies authorizing data sharing, which is fundamental for features like channel management.

Examples

  • A host connects their property management software to their Vrbo account, which redirects them to a Vrbo login page to approve the connection for syncing calendars and bookings.
  • A property manager authorizes a dynamic pricing tool like PriceLabs to access their Airbnb listing data, allowing the tool to push new rates without ever storing the host's Airbnb password.
  • A user signs up for a new direct booking website by clicking "Sign in with Google," which uses OAuth to verify their identity without requiring them to create a new password for the site.
  • A host grants permission for a third-party guest communication app to access booking details from their channel manager, enabling it to send automated messages to upcoming guests.

Frequently asked questions

Is OAuth the same as a password?+
No. OAuth is a protocol that allows one application to access data from another on your behalf without sharing your password. It uses access tokens, which are temporary and have limited permissions, making it significantly more secure than sharing credentials.
Is OAuth secure?+
Yes, OAuth is designed with security as a primary goal. It eliminates the need for users to share their passwords with third-party applications. Users can also revoke an application's access at any time from their account settings on the service provider's platform (e.g., in your Google or Airbnb account).
Why do I have to re-authorize an application connection periodically?+
For security, access tokens granted via OAuth often have an expiration date. When a token expires, the application loses its authorized access and must prompt the user to go through the authorization process again. This is a standard security feature to protect user accounts from being compromised by old, unused connections.
What is the difference between OAuth 1.0 and OAuth 2.0?+
OAuth 2.0 is the current industry standard and a complete rewrite of OAuth 1.0. It is not backward-compatible. OAuth 2.0 is simpler for developers to implement, especially for web and mobile applications, and offers different authorization flows for various types of clients. It is used by nearly all major tech platforms today.
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