Secure OAuth for GoHighLevel Apps

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Secure OAuth for GoHighLevel Marketplace Apps

When you build marketplace integrations for platforms like ClickUp or other SaaS tools, understanding how OAuth works in GoHighLevel is essential for keeping user data secure and transparent. This how-to guide explains what users see during consent, how access tokens behave, and how to design your app so agencies and sub-accounts always remain in control of their data.

What Is OAuth in GoHighLevel?

OAuth is the secure authorization system that allows a marketplace app to access data inside a GoHighLevel account without sharing login credentials. Instead of giving your app a username and password, the platform issues access tokens with limited permissions.

In practice, this means:

  • Users clearly see what your app can and cannot access.
  • The app receives tokens only for the scopes that are approved.
  • Access can be revoked at any time by the agency or user.

Your responsibility as a marketplace developer is to request the minimum necessary access and to honor the consent choices made inside the GoHighLevel authorization screen.

How OAuth Consent Works in GoHighLevel

When a user installs or connects your marketplace app, GoHighLevel displays an OAuth consent screen outlining exactly what your app wants to do. This consent flow is the core of security and transparency for the integration.

Key Elements of the GoHighLevel Consent Screen

The consent interface includes several important elements:

  • App identity – App name, logo, and publisher information.
  • Requested scopes – Each permission your app needs, described in plain language.
  • Data access summary – The types of data your app can read or write when granted these scopes.
  • Account selection – Which agency or sub-account is being authorized, depending on the flow.
  • Approval actions – Buttons to grant or deny access before any token is issued.

The user must explicitly approve the scopes. GoHighLevel will not issue a token with more permissions than those confirmed on this screen.

Scopes and Permissions in GoHighLevel OAuth

Scopes define what your marketplace app can access through the API. Properly scoping your integration is the most important security design decision you will make.

Types of Scopes in GoHighLevel

Depending on your integration, GoHighLevel may provide several categories of scopes, such as:

  • Read-only scopes – Allow your app to read data (for example, contacts or settings) without modifying anything.
  • Write scopes – Enable your app to create, update, or delete records like opportunities, tasks, or messages.
  • Account-level scopes – Control access to agency-wide data and configuration.
  • Sub-account scopes – Limit access to data within a specific location or client account.

Always choose the least-privilege scope that still allows your app to function correctly.

Best Practices for Requesting GoHighLevel Scopes

To align with the platform’s security expectations:

  • Request only the scopes your feature set absolutely requires.
  • Avoid broad account-level scopes if sub-account access is sufficient.
  • Separate read and write scopes so users can grant minimal rights.
  • Document clearly why each scope is needed in your help center or onboarding.

This approach helps agencies feel confident when authorizing your GoHighLevel app.

Data Access and Tokens in GoHighLevel

After the user approves your requested scopes, GoHighLevel issues OAuth tokens to your app. These tokens represent the consent that was given and define the boundaries of data access.

Understanding Access Tokens

Access tokens:

  • Are tied to specific scopes that were approved.
  • Are valid only for the account or sub-account the user selected.
  • Expire after a certain time and may be refreshed using refresh tokens.

Your app must store and transmit these tokens securely. Never log tokens in plaintext or expose them in client-side code.

Respecting GoHighLevel Data Security

To keep your integration compliant with platform expectations:

  • Use HTTPS for all API calls to and from GoHighLevel.
  • Encrypt tokens and sensitive data at rest, following your security policies.
  • Honor token expiration and refresh rules to avoid unauthorized access.
  • Immediately revoke or stop using tokens if you suspect compromise.

These practices protect both your users and your application from unwanted data leakage.

Step-by-Step: Handling OAuth Consent in a GoHighLevel App

Below is a practical flow you can follow when implementing OAuth authorization for a marketplace integration.

1. Prepare Your GoHighLevel App Configuration

  1. Register your app with the marketplace program.
  2. Configure redirect URIs that will receive authorization codes.
  3. Define the exact scopes your integration needs.
  4. Set up a secure storage mechanism for client ID and client secret.

2. Redirect Users to the GoHighLevel Consent Screen

  1. Send users to the platform’s authorization endpoint with:
    • Client ID
    • Redirect URI
    • Requested scopes
    • State parameter for CSRF protection
  2. Allow the user to review all scopes and approve or deny access.
  3. Handle cases where the user cancels consent by giving clear messaging.

3. Exchange the Authorization Code for Tokens

  1. Receive the authorization code at your redirect URI.
  2. Validate the state parameter.
  3. Send a secure POST request to the token endpoint.
  4. Store the returned access token and, if available, refresh token securely.

4. Call GoHighLevel APIs with the Token

  1. Include the access token in the Authorization header using the Bearer scheme.
  2. Restrict API calls to the scopes you requested and were granted.
  3. Implement graceful error handling for expired or revoked tokens.

5. Provide a Clear Disconnect Path

  1. Offer a “Disconnect” or “Revoke Access” option inside your app.
  2. On disconnect, stop all API calls to GoHighLevel.
  3. Delete stored tokens in line with your data retention policies.

User Transparency and Consent Best Practices

User trust is crucial for any GoHighLevel marketplace app. The consent flow should be more than a technical requirement; it should be a clear communication channel.

Recommended practices include:

  • Explain, in your own UI, why you redirect users to the platform’s consent screen.
  • Provide a short description for each requested scope in your documentation.
  • Link to your privacy policy and security overview from your app settings.
  • Notify users if you add new scopes in a future update and require re-consent.

The more transparent you are, the easier it is for agencies and sub-accounts to approve your integration confidently.

Where to Learn More About GoHighLevel OAuth

For deeper technical details on OAuth security and consent behavior, review the official documentation at this GoHighLevel OAuth and API security guide. It provides the authoritative description of how tokens, scopes, and approvals are handled on the platform.

If you are planning a more complex integration strategy, you can also consult specialists. For example, Consultevo offers consulting services that cover technical implementation, security, and optimization for marketing automation platforms and marketplaces.

Summary: Building Secure GoHighLevel Integrations

When you understand and follow the OAuth consent model, your GoHighLevel marketplace app becomes safer, more transparent, and easier for agencies to adopt. Focus on:

  • Requesting minimal, clearly justified scopes.
  • Securing tokens and handling expiration correctly.
  • Providing a simple way for users to revoke access.
  • Documenting how and why your integration uses GoHighLevel data.

By combining these practices, you align your app with the platform’s security expectations and build long-term trust with every account that connects to your integration.

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