How to get refresh token while using Google API JS Client
I have been trying to implement an app that would need user to grant access to Google Analytics. I have been following this tutorial:
https://developers.google.com/analytics/solutions/articles/hello-analytics-api
And at some other places there is code for AngularJs which uses the same functionL
https://gist.github.com/jakemmarsh/5809963
My problem is, that the auth works pretty well, but it does not return a refresh_token. It never returns a refresh_token. I have tried all the possible available on the web. 1. The first time, 2. Using prompt=force etc etc.. But nothing seems to return the refresh_token. I guess that part is skipped by the client or something.
I need to know how can I get the refresh_token when the user grants access for the first time so that I can save it.
Answer
It does not return a refresh token as designed. The tutorial and the code you mentioned are using Google APIs Client Library for JavaScript. This library uses the OAuth 2.0 client-side flow for making requests that require authorization.
As The OAuth 2.0 Authorization Framework says:
The implicit grant type is used to obtain access tokens (it does not support the issuance of refresh tokens) and is optimized for public clients known to operate a particular redirection URI. These clients are typically implemented in a browser using a scripting language such as JavaScript.
In fact, The authorization code flow is the only one which issue refresh token, and Google supports this flow in these Scenarios: Web server applications, Installed applications, and Applications on limited-input devices, but not Client-side (JavaScript) applications or Service accounts. Get more details from here.
So you'll not get refresh token in this way.