This document contains API-specific authorization and authentication information. Before reading this document, be sure to read the general authentication and authorization information at Develop on Google Workspace.
Identify whether to use a restricted scope
When your app is installed, a user is asked to validate the scopes used by the
app. Generally, you do not want users to have to decide to validate use of
restricted scopes. So, when possible, use non-sensitive scopes as they narrow
access to specific functionality needed by an app. In most cases, providing
narrow access means using the https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.file
per-file access scope.
There are only two types of Drive apps where use of restricted scopes might be permitted:
Use of restricted scopes might be permitted for native and web apps that provide local sync or automatic backup of users' Drive files.
Use of restricted scopes might be permitted for productivity and educational applications whose user interface might involve interaction with Google Drive. For example, if your app is a chat app that allows a user to paste Drive URL in a discussion, restricted scopes might be permitted. Productivity applications include task management, note taking, workgroup communications, and classroom collaboration applications.
Migrate an existing app to a non-sensitive scope
If you've developed a Drive app that uses any of the restricted scopes, we
recommend migrating your app to use drive.file scope. This scope enables
users to select the specific files from Google Drive, and through the Google
Picker, that they want to allow your app to access. Apps that use the
drive.file scope are not required to go through the restricted scope
verification and third-party security assessment.
Many apps work with per-file access without any changes. If you are currently
using your own file picker, we recommend switching to the
Google Picker which fully supports the
drive.file scope.
Save refresh tokens in long-term storage
You must save refresh tokens in secure long-term storage and continue to use them as long as they remain valid.