---
title: "How to add authorization to an Angular application"
description: "In this brief guide, we take a close look at how to implement authorization in an Angular application using 7 simple steps. Read now to learn more."
author: "Alex Olivier"
date: "2024-02-14T23:00:00.000Z"
canonical: "https://www.cerbos.dev/blog/angular-authorization"
image: "https://stylish-appliance-1c1cc1c30d.media.strapiapp.com/cover_image_05d805b3c4.jpg"
tags: ["guide"]
source: "https://www.cerbos.dev/blog/angular-authorization"
---

# How to add authorization to an Angular application

Managing user access is a bedrock principle of app development, regardless of the development platform. In this brief guide, the Cerbos team will explore the basic steps and associated considerations involved in implementing authorization in an Angular application.

## How to implement authorization in an Angular application: 7 simple steps

**Step 1: Define your authorization requirements** – The first step in implementing authorization in your Angular app is to [define roles and their associated permissions](https://www.cerbos.dev/blog/mapping-business-requirements-to-authorization-policy). As with most other apps, roles typically include “user”, “admin” and “guest” and permissions take the form of “read-only”, “edit”, “delete” and more.

**Step 2: Create an authentication mechanism** – A robust authentication mechanism is a must-have if you are to achieve dependable authorization results. User authentication will be your way to verify user identities.

**Step 3: Establish role-based access control** – Associate the roles you created earlier with the appropriate users making sure to match permission with users using the Least Privilege Principle whereby users are assigned the fewest possible permissions necessary to perform their work.

**Step 4: Implement Angular route guards** – Angular route guards provide a simple way to control access to various routes within your application by checking permissions. Think of them as guard rails that ensure users stay within their assigned lane. 

**Step 5: Ensure communication with the backend server** – It is imperative to create secure communication between the frontend of your Angular app and the backend server. You can do this by including authorization info such as user roles in the headers of HTTP requests, which ensures server-side authorization logic is respected and enforced.

**Step 6: Implement error handling mechanisms** – Errors happen and must be accounted for in the authorization mechanism for your Angular app. When a user attempts to access a resource they do not have permission for, or enters incorrect user information by mistake they should be redirected to an error page which displays an informative error message.

**Step 7: Test your authorization mechanism** – After having completed the above steps it is time to subject your authorization mechanism to [robust testing](https://docs.cerbos.dev/cerbos/latest/tutorial/04%5Ftesting-policies.html). Test a variety of scenarios including unauthorized access attempts, inaccurate sign-in information, unauthorized access locations and more to ensure the viability of your authentication system. And do not forget to review your authentication mechanism regularly.

## Conclusion

Successful implementation of an authorization mechanism for an Angular application typically follows the above steps. Each step helps ensure that the finished mechanism will be both user-friendly and capable of securing your important digital assets from misadventure.

However, another option to consider is decoupling authorization – therefore dodging the numerous potential challenges associated with building your own. If this sounds appealing to you, [click here to learn more about Cerbos.](https://www.cerbos.dev/)

## FAQ

### How do I implement authorization in an Angular application?

To implement authorization in an Angular app, start by defining user roles (e.g., admin, user) and their permissions (e.g., read, edit, delete). Next, ensure robust authentication to verify identities. Use Angular route guards to control route access based on roles. For secure backend communication, include authorization headers in HTTP requests. Implement error handling to manage unauthorized attempts and test thoroughly across scenarios. Alternatively, consider a solution like Cerbos to decouple and centralize authorization for easier management.

### What tools can help manage user roles in Angular?

Cerbos is a powerful tool for managing user roles in Angular, offering centralized, fine-grained access control. However, there are many other options available as well.

When choosing a tool, consider factors like scalability, ease of integration with your existing authentication setup, support for both role-based and attribute-based policies, and audit capabilities. Ensure the tool aligns with your app’s complexity and compliance requirements for optimal control and security.

### What are the best practices for protecting routes in Angular?

To protect routes in Angular, use route guards (e.g., CanActivate) to control access based on user roles or permissions. Secure API calls by attaching authorization tokens in HTTP headers. Apply the Principle of Least Privilege to restrict access only to necessary routes. Additionally, implement error handling for unauthorized attempts and log access for auditing. Regularly review and update roles as security needs evolve.