With the rise in mobile app usage, securing user data has become crucial, and choosing an effective authentication solution is essential. Keycloak is a popular open-source Identity and access management tool offering robust authentication features. In this blog, we’ll cover integrating Keycloak authentication in a React Native application.
Keycloak security provides Single Sign On authentication, Identity Brokering, Social Login, and other powerful features, allowing applications to handle various mobile application security protocols like OpenID Connect, OAuth2.0, and SAML.
What is Keycloak?
Main Benefits Of Keycloak API Authentication:

- Single Sign-On (SSO): Users can log in once and seamlessly access a variety of applications.
- User Federation: Integrates with LDAP and Active Directory to manage users.
- Social Login: Keycloak custom authentication supports integration with social media providers like Google, Facebook, and Twitter.
- Standard Protocols: Supports OpenID Connect, OAuth 2.0, and SAML for secure communication.
Why Use Keycloak with React-Native?
Take Your App Security To The Next Level With Keycloak!
Steps to Set Up Keycloak Authentication in React Native Project

Step 1: Install The Keycloak Server
To get started, download and go for the Keycloak installation from Keycloak’s official website. Follow the instructions mentioned on the website for your operating system and start the server.
Step 2: Configure a Realm, Client, and redirectUrl
In Keycloak, a Realm represents a security domain. Each application or service can have its own realm. Here’s how to configure one:
a. Create a New Realm


b. Create a Client
A Client represents the application we’re integrating with. In your new realm, go to Clients > Create client, and fill in the client details (e.g., Client ID, Name, Description).



c. Add redirectUrl
Keycloak supports deep linking, which enables redirecting back to the mobile app after a successful login. To set this up, include the app’s name in the redirectUrl. You can find the app name in the AndroidManifest.xml (for Android) or the App Identifier (for iOS). This ensures that users are directed back to the mobile app seamlessly after authentication.

Step 3: Integrating Keycloak with React Native
For the React Native app, you have to use the @react-keycloak/native package, which internally uses the react-native-inappbrowser-reborn package in the background. This combination streamlines the OAuth2 flow and integrates smoothly with Keycloak.
NOTE: Ensure you follow the implementation steps provided in the @react-keycloak/native documentation for proper setup and usage. Also, configure your redirectUrl appropriately; for react native keycloak example, “com.example”.
a. Create new keyCloak.ts file
import { RNKeycloak } from '@react-keycloak/native'; const keyCloakAuth = new RNKeycloak({ // Add your URL, realm and clientId url: `${BASEURL}auth`, realm: `${REALM}`, clientId: `${CLIENTID}`, }); export default keyCloakAuth;
b. Update your app.tsx file
Update your App.tsx file as shown below, and import keyCloakAuth from the keyCloak.tsx file. Make sure to replace “com.example” with your actual redirectUrl, and in “HomeScreen”, replace it with the screen you want to open after a successful login.
import { useCallback } from 'react'; import keyCloakAuth from './keycloak/keycloak'; import ApplicationNavigator from './navigators/Application'; import { ReactNativeKeycloakProvider } from '@react-keycloak/native'; interface Tokens { token?: string; } function App() { const onKeycloakTokens = useCallback((tokens: Tokens) => { if (tokens?.token) { // An optional function to receive AuthClient tokens when changed. } }, []); return ( // If you have other Providers, it's recommended to place them inside ReactNativeKeycloakProvider ); } export default App;
Why Choose Keycloak for Enhancing Mobile App Security?
Keycloak stands out for its seamless integration and robust security features tailored to modern mobile app development. It simplifies managing multiple authentication protocols, such as OAuth2.0 and OpenID Connect, and ensures compatibility with social login providers, making it versatile for diverse user bases.
Beyond authentication, Keycloak enhances user experience with advanced features like SSO (single sign on authentication) and user federation. These capabilities not only streamline access for users across platforms but also reduce the overhead of managing individual user credentials for developers.
Key Takeaway:
Integrating Keycloak authentication into a React Native application provides a secure and flexible solution for managing user authentication and authorization.
In this setup, we demonstrated how to configure Keycloak in a React Native project using a dedicated keyCloak.ts file to store the authentication configuration, and how to utilize the ReactNativeKeycloakProvider to manage authentication state across the app. By ensuring proper configuration, such as setting the redirectUrl and securely handling tokens, you can deliver a seamless authentication experience to your users.
At Triveni Global Software Services LLP, we specialize in providing tailored authentication solutions, including the seamless integration of Keycloak for secure user authentication in React Native applications.
Contact us today for a FREE Consultation.
Secure User Authentication In React Native Mobile Application Easily
