Table of Contents
What This Feature Does #
Lets you sign in using your existing Google, Microsoft, or Facebook account instead of a password.
When to Use #
- Use when you originally registered or linked your account via an external provider.
- Use as a faster alternative to email/password if you already signed up with a social provider.
Prerequisites #
- A Google, Microsoft, or Facebook button must appear on the login page (the platform admin must have enabled the provider).
- Your provider account must return an email address.
- Your provider email must match an existing Application account.
Step-by-Step Instructions #
- On the Sign In page, find the "or sign in using" section below the form.
- Click Continue with Google, Continue with Microsoft, or Continue with Facebook.
- Complete the provider’s authorization screen.
- You are returned to Application automatically.
- If your provider email matches an account, you are signed in and redirected to the dashboard.
- If your email is registered as a password-only account, the provider is linked to your account and you are signed in.
What Happens After #
- The application creates or matches a user record.
- You are redirected to the Home Dashboard (or the originally requested page).
Errors, Messages, and Exceptions #
| Message | Why It Happens | How to Fix | When It Appears |
|---|---|---|---|
Unsupported external authentication provider. | The provider is not enabled on this platform | Use email/password sign-in | On callback |
External authentication provider is not configured. | Provider credentials missing server-side | Contact your platform administrator | On initiation |
Unable to start external authentication flow. | OAuth redirect could not be constructed | Refresh and try again; if persistent, contact support | On initiation |
External provider error: {message} | The provider returned an error (e.g., user denied) | Retry the flow; check your provider account | On callback |
Your external account did not provide an email address. | Provider returned no email (e.g., private email on Facebook) | Make your email public in your provider account settings | On callback |
No account is registered with this external provider. Please create a new account first. | Your provider email is not in the system | Click the Create Account link to register | On callback |
External login failed. | Unexpected failure during provider linking | Retry; if persistent, contact support | On callback |
Failed to link your external login. | Identity linking failed after callback | Try again or use email/password | On callback |
Fix Common Problems #
Problem: "No account is registered with this external provider."
- You have not signed up yet. Go to the Create Account page and register using the same social provider.
Problem: Social sign-in button is not visible
- The provider has not been enabled by the platform administrator.
- Use email/password sign-in as an alternative.
External Dependencies #
- Google OAuth: https://myaccount.google.com — ensure the email you want to use is accessible.
- Microsoft OAuth: https://account.microsoft.com
- Facebook OAuth: https://www.facebook.com/settings?tab=security — ensure email permission is granted.
