How can I obtain an access token for backend service integration without using a redirect URI?

[nick13]

Hello,

We have backend service integration where we are trying fetch all users and courses and sections for institutions. How can I obtain an access token for backend service integration without using a redirect URI? I have developer keys.

[mzimmerman]

Hi @nick13 ,

An access token is basically providing credentials for an external process to access Canvas on behalf of (and with the permissions of) a particular user.  There are instructions for generating and managing access tokens at https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Admin-Guide/How-do-I-manage-API-access-tokens-as-an-admin/ta-p/89 

Be aware that you cannot use the admin "Act as user" functionality to generate an access token for another account.  You must be able to actually log in under that account in order to generate an access token.

[JamesSekcienski]

@nick13,

The GET login/oauth2/auth endpoint says to use "urn:ietf:wg:oauth:2.0:oob" as the redirect_uri for native applications.  However, this will require using a workaround to get the credentials a different way. 

Note for native apps.

If you are building this for multiple institutions, I would suggest taking the time to develop the necessary functionality to support a redirect_uri.