Deezer: User Token [extra Quality]

A Deezer User Token (often called an Access Token) is a unique alphanumeric string used to authenticate a specific user session, allowing third-party apps or developers to interact with the Deezer API on that user's behalf.

Depending on your needs—whether you're a developer building an app or a user trying to log into a specialized tool—you can obtain a token through several methods. 1. For Developers (Standard OAuth 2.0)

Developers must use the official OAuth 2.0 flow to let users authorize their application. This process involves two main steps:

Get Authorization Code: Redirect the user to the Deezer auth page: https://deezer.com. deezer user token

Exchange for Token: After the user approves, Deezer sends a code back to your URL. You then exchange it for the final token by calling: https://deezer.com. 2. For Users (Manual "ARL" Token)

Many third-party tools (like Deeztracker Mobile) use a specific cookie-based token called an ARL token to bypass the standard login.

Log in to your account on deezer.com using a desktop browser. A Deezer User Token (often called an Access

Open Developer Tools: Press F12 or right-click and select Inspect. Navigate to Storage/Application: In Chrome/Edge: Go to the Application tab. In Firefox/Safari: Go to the Storage tab.

Find Cookies: Expand the Cookies section in the left sidebar and select https://www.deezer.com.

Copy ARL Value: Look for the cookie named arl. The long alphanumeric string in the "Value" column is your token. Key Details to Remember Authentication - Deeztracker Mobile - Mintlify Encrypt tokens at rest (AES-256) Associate with user

6.3 Backend

• Encrypt tokens at rest (AES-256)
• Associate with user ID in database

Database schema example:

CREATE TABLE deezer_tokens (
  user_id UUID PRIMARY KEY,
  access_token TEXT NOT NULL,
  refresh_token TEXT NOT NULL,
  expires_at TIMESTAMP NOT NULL,
  created_at TIMESTAMP DEFAULT NOW()
);

---

1. On the Security of Modern Single Sign-On Tokens in Mobile Applications

Authors: A. Belshé, R. Carbone, et al.
Published in: ACSAC (Annual Computer Security Applications Conference), 2019
Why it’s relevant: Explains how bearer tokens (similar to Deezer’s user token) are handled in mobile apps and the risks of token extraction.

6. Security & Storage

How to Keep a Token Alive

If you are using a script or automation tool, do not assume the token is permanent. Implement logic to:

1. Attempt the API call.
2. If you receive a 401 Unauthorized or Token Expired error, alert the user to log into Deezer again via browser to generate a fresh arl cookie.

---

Security best practices

• Never embed client_secret in client-side apps; perform token exchange on a secure server.
• Store tokens server-side encrypted or in secure storage; minimize token exposure in logs and URLs.
• Use HTTPS for all redirects and API calls.
• Request minimal scopes and show clear consent prompts to users.
• Revoke tokens upon user logout or account disconnect.

Scopes / permissions (common perms)

• basic_access — read public profile
• email — access user email
• manage_library — add/remove tracks, create playlists
• delete_library — delete user playlists
• listening_history — read listening history
• offline_access — long-lived access (if available) Request only the perms you need.

The Golden Rules

1. Never paste your Deezer user token into a public forum, GitHub issue, or Discord chat.
2. Never upload a screenshot that includes your browser’s developer tools without blurring the arl value.
3. Revoke your token if compromised. To revoke all tokens, simply change your Deezer password. This invalidates every existing user token and forces new logins on all devices.

---