Authentication
In order to use the features of the Calls SDK in your apps, user authentication with the Sendbird server must be initiated through the SendBirdCall.authenticate()
method. To make or receive calls, the SendBirdCall
instance should be connected with the Sendbird server. Connect socket by using the SendBirdCall.connectWebSocket()
method after a user’s authentication has been completed.
Note: Even if your organization already uses Sendbird Chat, a separate user authentication is needed for Sendbird Calls.
Initialize the Calls SDK with APP_ID
As shown below, the SendBirdCall
instance must be initialized when a client app is launched. Initialization is done by using the APP_ID
of your Sendbird application in the Dashboard. If the instance is initialized with a different APP_ID
, all existing call-related data in a client app will be cleared and the SendBirdCall
instance will be initialized again with the new APP_ID
.
Authenticate to the Sendbird server
In order to use the interfaces and methods provided in a SendBirdCall
instance, a user must be connected to the Sendbird server by authentication. Without authentication, calling the methods of the Calls SDK will not work in a user’s client app. This means that if a user performs actions such as accepting an incoming call before authentication, the user will receive errors from the Sendbird server.
Using an access token
Through our Chat Platform API, you can create a user using an access token. You can also issue an access token for an existing user.
Using a session token
You can also use a session token instead of an access token to authenticate a user. Session tokens are a more secure option because they expire after a certain period whereas access tokens don't. See Chat Platform API guides for further explanation about the difference between access token and session token, how to issue a session token, and how to revoke all session tokens.
Note: Sendbird Calls is charged by minutes which starts as soon as the call is connected. It is recommended that you authenticate users for the Calls SDK at your earliest convenience.
Deauthenticate from the Sendbird server
Deauthenticate a user from the Sendbird server using the SendBirdCall.deauthenticate()
method. It will clear all current direct calls, session keys, and user information from a user’s client app. This can also be considered as logging out from the server.