How do I connect Azure AD to my application?

To connect Azure AD (now Microsoft Entra ID) to your application, the usual approach is to use OAuth 2.0 / OpenID Connect through the Microsoft Identity Platform.

High-level steps

1) Register your app in Entra ID

In the Azure portal:

• Go to Microsoft Entra ID
• Select App registrations
• Click New registration
• Enter:
  • Name
  • Supported account types
  • Redirect URI if needed

After registration, note these:

• Application (client) ID
• Directory (tenant) ID
• Create a client secret or certificate if your app is server-side

2) Configure authentication settings

Set:

• Redirect URI(s) for your app
• Logout URL if needed
• Front-channel / back-channel logout options if applicable

3) Add API permissions

If your app needs Microsoft Graph or other APIs:

• Go to API permissions
• Add delegated or application permissions
• Grant admin consent if required

4) Implement sign-in using MSAL

Use MSAL (Microsoft Authentication Library) in your app.

Common libraries:

• Web app: MSAL for JavaScript, ASP.NET Core middleware
• Mobile: MSAL for iOS/Android
• Desktop: MSAL for .NET
• Backend/API: validate bearer tokens with Microsoft identity middleware/JWT validation

5) Validate tokens in your app

If your app receives access tokens:

• Verify issuer, audience, signature, expiration
• Use the tenant-specific or common OpenID metadata endpoint

6) Use the token to access resources

After authentication:

• Use the ID token for user identity
• Use the access token to call APIs like Microsoft Graph or your own API

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Typical architecture

For a web app

1. User visits your app
2. App redirects to Microsoft login
3. User signs in
4. Microsoft redirects back with an auth code
5. Your app exchanges code for tokens
6. App creates a session for the user

For a backend API

1. Client gets access token from Entra ID
2. Client calls your API with Authorization: Bearer <token>
3. API validates token
4. API allows access based on claims/scopes/roles

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Example: OpenID Connect endpoints

You’ll usually use the tenant-specific authority:

https://login.microsoftonline.com/{tenant-id}/v2.0

Discovery document:

https://login.microsoftonline.com/{tenant-id}/v2.0/.well-known/openid-configuration

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Minimal checklist

• Register app
• Set redirect URI
• Create secret/certificate if needed
• Add permissions
• Integrate MSAL or OIDC middleware
• Validate tokens
• Test sign-in and sign-out

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Which stack are you using?

If you want, I can give you exact setup steps and code for:

• ASP.NET Core
• Node.js / Express
• React / SPA
• Python / Flask / Django
• Java / Spring Boot
• Mobile (Android/iOS)

Tell me your app type and I’ll give you the exact implementation.