So, you’ve built your app on Bubble.io. It looks great, it works even better, but now you’re stuck on a big question: how should users log in? Should they use their email? Their Google account? Should you be using something fancy like JWT? Or maybe you want to build your own thing from scratch.
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
Let’s talk about Bubble authentication. More importantly, let’s make it make sense.
Authentication Explained
Think of authentication like your app’s bouncer. It checks if someone really is who they say they are before letting them inside. Whether you’re building a journal app or an online store, this bouncer is a big deal. If your login system is weak, your app becomes vulnerable. But if it’s too complicated, users will bounce before they even get in.
Bubble.io offers several options for handling this, including OAuth, JWT, and custom logins. Each has its own vibe, use case, and setup style.
Let’s start peeling back the layers.
What Is OAuth And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
OAuth sounds like a robot from Star Wars, but it’s actually a really friendly tool. It’s what lets you log in to apps using accounts you already have, like Google, Facebook, or LinkedIn. You’ve done it before. You hit a ‘Sign in with Google’ button, give permission, and boom – you’re in.
When you use OAuth in your Bubble.io app, your users don’t need to create new passwords. They just tap a button, approve access, and get logged in. It’s fast, secure, and super convenient.
But here’s the cool part…
Bubble.io lets you set this up using its API Connector. You just grab some keys from the platform you want (like Google), add them into Bubble, and use workflows to connect the dots.
OAuth works like magic for apps that want fast signups, especially if you’re aiming to keep things sleek and simple. If you’re working with a no code development agency or looking to hire bubble.io freelancers, chances are they’ll recommend OAuth for that clean, one-click login experience.
Now, if Auth is all about convenience, then JWT is all about control. Let’s dig into that next.
What is JWT, And How Does It Help With User Login?
JWT stands for JSON Web Token, but let’s not get lost in the jargon. It is mostly used when your Bubble app needs to talk to another system. Let’s say your app connects with a backend server, or you’re using Firebase or Stripe. JWT helps pass that user info safely between your app and those external services.
Bubble doesn’t create JWTs automatically, but if you know what you’re doing or you team up with a skilled no code developer, you can get JWTs working just fine using API calls and backend workflows.
This method is especially loved by developers who are building more complex apps. So if your app is planning to integrate with other services or APIs, JWT becomes your best friend.
Okay, but what if you don’t want fancy third-party services or magic tokens? What if you just want to build your own login system, your way? Time to meet the star of DIY authentication – Custom Login.
What Is A Custom Login, And Why Might You Want One?
Custom login is exactly what it sounds like – your app, your rules. You design the login form, decide what users need to enter, control how they reset passwords, and even add your own quirky verification steps if you want to.
Bubble.io gives you all the tools you need to make this happen. You can create fields, set up workflows, and use built-in user authentication features to control the whole experience.
This option is perfect when you want to create a personalized experience or have specific user roles like admins, editors, and clients. Want to onboard users through invitations only? No problem. Want to add email verification before giving full access? Totally doable.
This level of customization is what makes no-code so powerful. And if you ever team up with a bubble certified development agency, they’ll probably show you just how far you can take it.
Now that we’ve laid out the big three – OAuth, JWT, and custom logins, you might be wondering, ‘Can I use more than one?’
Let’s talk about that.
Can You Mix OAuth, JWT, And Custom Login In the Same App?
Yes, yes, and absolutely yes.
You’re not locked into just one method. In fact, using a combination often makes your app more flexible. Maybe you let regular users log in with Google, but you want your internal team to use a special admin login with extra steps. At the same time, your app might be using JWT in the background to talk to a payment service.
All of that can happen inside the same Bubble app. You just need to plan the workflows and roles carefully, and of course, it helps if you’re working with a solid no code developer who knows how to tie all these pieces together.
When used smartly, combining these methods can create an experience that’s both secure and super smooth.
Still, there’s another question you might be asking right about now.
How Secure Is Authentication In Bubble.io?
Short answer? Pretty secure – if you do it right.
Bubble takes care of a lot behind the scenes. Passwords are encrypted, sessions are handled properly, and you don’t have to worry about storing sensitive login info in plain text. But here’s the deal – security isn’t automatic.
You still need to set strong privacy rules. You need to manage workflows carefully. You should avoid skipping over things like password reset steps or account confirmation emails.
And if you’re bringing in outside help, make sure you’re working with experienced bubble.io freelancers or a bubble certified development agency. They’ll know how to double-check that everything’s locked down the way it should be.
Speaking of which, let’s chat about what not to do next.
What Are Some Common Login Mistakes To Avoid?
The biggest mistake? Ignoring authentication altogether. Some people rush through building their MVP and throw in a basic login page just to tick the box. But that can come back to haunt you.
Another mistake is not setting up roles properly. If every user sees the same thing regardless of their permission level, you’re asking for trouble. Or worse, if you accidentally expose private user data due to missing privacy rules, you’ve got a serious problem.
Skipping email verification, forgetting about password reset flows, and not tracking login activity, these might seem small, but they stack up quickly.
That’s why many teams choose to hire bubble.io freelancers to audit and refine the whole login system before launch.
Still unsure which direction to go? Let’s clear that up.
Which Login Method Should You Use?
It depends on your app, your audience, and your goals.
If you want users to log in quickly with accounts they already trust, go for OAuth. It’s fast, and users love it.
If your app is interacting with external services and needs to securely exchange data, JWT is your winner. It’s more technical, but it’s powerful.
If you’re all about control, designing a login that’s totally yours with custom fields, logic, and access roles might be your best bet.
And honestly? Most solid apps will use a mix. One size rarely fits all. The real trick is knowing when and why to use each. That’s where a seasoned no code development agency can step in and help you build something that not only works but scales.
And in case you’re wondering…
Can You Change Your Authentication Method Later?
Totally. That’s where Bubble authentication really shines.
Let’s say you start with a simple custom login. Later, you want to add Google login? You can. Then down the road, you integrate with another service and need JWT? You can do that too.
Nothing is set in stone. Your login system can evolve as your app grows. And if you’re working with a freelance expert or a bubble certified development agency, they can help you make that transition without breaking anything.
So, What’s The Final Word On Bubble Authentication?
Authentication is the front door to your app. It’s how users step into your digital world. Whether they’re tapping a Google button, entering a password, or verifying their identity through an external API, that experience matters a lot.
On Bubble.io, you’re not stuck with one choice. You’ve got options. And with those options come opportunities to shape your app exactly how you want.
OAuth gives you speed and simplicity. JWT brings power and flexibility. Custom login hands you the paintbrush to create your own masterpiece.
And if any of this feels overwhelming, don’t sweat it. You can always hire bubble.io freelancers who’ve done this before. Or partner with a trusted no code development agency that knows how to design secure, scalable login flows from the ground up.