← Back to headers
HTTP Header
Authorization
SecurityCarries authentication credentials for accessing a protected resource.
HTTP header reference, syntax, examples, and developer usage.
What is the Authorization header?
The Authorization HTTP header is used to transmit metadata between a client and server as part of HTTP requests or responses.
HTTP headers define how content should be interpreted, cached, authenticated, secured, or processed by browsers and APIs.
Direction
This header may appear in both HTTP requests and responses.
Syntax
Authorization: <type> <credentials>
Example
Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN
Common use cases
- Bearer token authentication
- API access control
- Authenticated requests from frontend apps
Common mistakes
- Using the header in the wrong request or response context
- Sending invalid header values
- Incorrect header syntax
- Assuming the header automatically changes server behaviour