WordPress OAuth Login: Step-by-Step Guide

I’ve learned that the easier you make it for users to log in to your website, the more likely they are to become active members and engage with your content.

That’s where OAuth login comes in – it lets people sign in to your WordPress website with just one click using their existing social accounts like Google, Facebook, or X.

But here’s the thing: while OAuth login sounds simple in theory, setting it up correctly can be tricky. I’ve tested various plugins and methods on real WordPress websites to find the most reliable solution.

Today, I’m sharing my proven method for adding OAuth login to WordPress. I’ll show you how to set it up correctly, avoid common pitfalls, and get it working smoothly on your site.

The Benefits of Adding OAuth Login to WordPress

Adding OAuth login to your WordPress site addresses common user frustrations like forgotten passwords and weak credentials.

Users often struggle to remember their login details, which leads to frequent and frustrating password resets.

OAuth prevents these issues by using secure authentication methods from major providers. Instead of creating new passwords, visitors can log in with accounts they already trust, like Google, Facebook, or GitHub.

Many of these providers also offer two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security.

This streamlined login process leads to faster access and fewer abandoned registrations. Users are more likely to complete the signup when it’s easy.

It also helps reduce spam and fake accounts. Since users are logging in through verified third-party accounts, it becomes harder for bots to create fake profiles.

Overall, adding OAuth login to your site creates a smoother, more secure experience for your users.

Now, I will show you how to set it up in WordPress.

How to Add OAuth Login in WordPress

Setting up OAuth login in WordPress is easier than you might think. With the right plugin, you can allow users to sign in with their existing social accounts in just a few clicks.

I recommend using Nextend Social Login. It is a popular social media plugin designed to add social login options from providers like Google, Facebook, and X directly into your site.

Once you set it up, users will see social login buttons on your login and registration pages. This makes it simple for them to access your site without creating a new account.

Step 1: Install and Activate the Nextend Social Login Plugin

Begin by installing and activating the Nextend Social Login plugin. If needed, consult a tutorial on WordPress plugin installation.

After activating the plugin, navigate to the Settings » Nextend Social Login page accessible from your WordPress admin dashboard.

This guide will demonstrate how to implement OAuth login using Google. Keep in mind that Nextend Social Login supports login via Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and others. The setup might vary slightly depending on the chosen provider.

Step 2: Create a Google App

First, click the ‘Getting Started’ button in the Google section of the plugin.

You’ll be directed to a page providing on-screen guidance for setting up your Google app.

Once you’ve reviewed the instructions, click the link to go to the Google Cloud Console.

Here, you may be prompted to log in with your Google account credentials.

Once in the console, click the button at the top to open a popup and select ‘New project’.

Next, assign a name to your project.

Optionally, include an organization and location; then, select the ‘Create’ button.

After creating the project, you will return to the dashboard. Now, in the left sidebar, switch to the ‘OAuth consent screen’ tab.

Go ahead and click the ‘Get Started’ button.

You now need to specify a name for your app. This name will be shown to users when they are prompted to grant login consent.

Next, provide your business email in the designated ‘User support email’ field; this allows users to reach out with inquiries.

Proceed by selecting the ‘Next’ button.

Following this, you’ll specify the intended audience for your WordPress OAuth login.

Opt for the ‘Internal’ setting if your application is designed for internal use within a Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) environment. Consequently, solely individuals within your organization’s domain will possess login capabilities.

Conversely, the ‘External’ setting is appropriate if your app or site caters to a public audience, granting login access to anyone possessing a Google account.

Initially, the application will operate in testing mode, restricting login access to users designated as test users.

Re-enter your contact email address in the provided field.

This is the address Google will use to communicate project updates. You can also include more than one email address.

Lastly, consent to Google’s API services agreement.

Conclude by pressing the ‘Create’ button.

Upon completion, the system will redirect you to the ‘OAuth Overview’ page.

From here, click the ‘Create OAuth Client’ button.

The subsequent screen will prompt you to generate an OAuth Client ID.

From the ‘Application type’ dropdown, choose the ‘Web application’ selection.

After that, assign a descriptive name to your client ID.

Now, scroll down to the ‘Authorized redirect URIs’ section and click the ‘+ Add URL’ button.

You will now input the unique URL that the Nextend Social Login plugin supplies on your WordPress admin panel.

This URL tells Google the only valid address to send users back to after they log in, which is a key security step that prevents hijacking.

Once you’ve added the URL, click the ‘Create’ button.

A popup will appear with your credentials.

Simply copy your Client ID and the Client Secret from here and store them somewhere safe.

It is critical that you treat the Client Secret like a password and never share it publicly, as it protects your app and user data.

Next, return to the ‘OAuth Consent Screen’ page from the menu on the left.

Find the button labeled ‘Publish App’ to move your application from ‘Testing’ to ‘Production’ status.

This will open a popup, where you can click the ‘Confirm’ button.

Please note that after you submit, Google’s official verification and review process can sometimes take several days to complete.

Step 3: Verify Your Google Configuration

Now, head back to your WordPress dashboard and switch to the ‘Settings’ tab for Google from the top.

After that, add the Client ID and Client Secret that you copied earlier and click the ‘Save Changes’ button.

Once you do that, Nextend Social Login will show a popup asking you to verify your configuration. Go ahead and click the ‘Verify Settings’ button.

Keep in mind that if you skip this step, the Google OAuth sign-in option will not appear on your screen.

Next, switch to the ‘Buttons’ section from the top.

Here, you can choose a button style for your Google OAuth login. You can also create a custom button with custom code if you like.

Once you are done, just click the ‘Save Changes’ button to store your changes.

Now, you need to switch to the Global Settings » Login Form tab from the top.

Here, check the ‘Show login buttons’ box for the ‘Login Form’ option so that users can easily opt for the OAuth sign-in option from here.

You can also configure the remaining settings to your liking.

Next, click the ‘Save Changes’ button.

Then, you have to head back to the Settings » Nextend Social Login page from the WordPress dashboard.

Finally, click the ‘Enable’ button under the ‘Google’ option. You can now repeat this entire process with different third-party apps to add OAuth login for them.

Once you are done, simply visit your WordPress site to see the OAuth login in action.

Bonus: Add Passwordless Login in WordPress with Login Links

While OAuth simplifies login by using existing social accounts, passwordless login with magic links offers another way to improve the user experience by removing passwords entirely.

This method lets users bypass WordPress login credentials. They simply click a secure link sent to their email to log in to their accounts.

With a plugin like Magic Login, users only need to enter their email address, and a one-time login link is sent to their inbox. Clicking the link grants instant access, with no passwords needed.

This approach streamlines the login process, enhancing security. It proves beneficial for sites aiming to lower signup obstacles.

Moreover, these login links, being unique and time-limited, enhance security, defending against brute-force attempts.

Begin by consulting our guide on incorporating passwordless login functionality into WordPress.

Frequently Asked Questions About OAuth Login

Below are common inquiries from our audience before implementing OAuth login within WordPress:

What exactly does OAuth login entail?

OAuth offers users a secure method to access your site using credentials from established platforms such as Google, Facebook, or X. This eliminates the need for a unique password specific to your site.

Is implementing social login on my WordPress site a safe practice?

Yes, it is considered a very secure method. OAuth is a widely-used protocol among major tech companies, employing tokens instead of traditional passwords. Your website avoids managing or storing user login details from their social media accounts.

Can I add other social login options besides Google?

Certainly. The Nextend Social Login plugin extends support to a wide array of platforms. You can readily incorporate login options for Facebook, X (previously Twitter), LinkedIn, and others, based on your audience’s preferences.

Are there any costs associated with adding OAuth login to WordPress?

You can begin without any cost. The Nextend Social Login plugin provides a free version featuring common choices like Google and Facebook. A pro version is available for additional providers and enhanced functionalities.

Hopefully, this tutorial clarified the process of integrating OAuth login into your WordPress site. You might also find useful our introductory guide to enabling one-click Google login, as well as our instructions for implementing CAPTCHA on WordPress login and registration forms.

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