rowboatlabs--rowboat/google-setup.md

Connecting Google to Rowboat

Rowboat requires Google OAuth credentials (Client ID and Client Secret) to connect to Gmail, Calendar, and Drive. Follow the steps below to generate them.

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1️⃣ Open Google Cloud Console

Go to:

https://console.cloud.google.com/

Make sure you're logged into the Google account you want to use.

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2️⃣ Create a New Project

Go to:

https://console.cloud.google.com/projectcreate

• Click Create Project
• Give it a name (e.g. Rowboat Integration)
• Click Create

Once created, make sure the new project is selected in the top project dropdown.

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3️⃣ Enable Required APIs

Enable the following APIs for your project:

• Gmail API

  https://console.cloud.google.com/apis/api/gmail.googleapis.com

• Google Calendar API

  https://console.cloud.google.com/apis/api/calendar-json.googleapis.com

• Google Drive API

  https://console.cloud.google.com/apis/api/drive.googleapis.com

For each API:

• Click Enable

  

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4️⃣ Configure OAuth Consent Screen

Go to:

https://console.cloud.google.com/auth/branding

App Information

• App name: (e.g. Rowboat)
• User support email: Your email

Audience

• Choose External

Contact Information

• Add your email address

Click Save and Continue through the remaining steps.

You do NOT need to publish the app — keeping it in Testing mode is fine.

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5️⃣ Add Test Users

If your app is in Testing mode, you must add users manually.

Go to:

https://console.cloud.google.com/auth/audience

Under Test Users:

• Click Add Users
• Add the email address you plan to connect with Rowboat

Save changes.

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6️⃣ Create OAuth Client ID

Go to:

https://console.cloud.google.com/auth/clients

Click Create Credentials → OAuth Client ID

Application Type

Select:

Web application

• Name it anything (e.g. Rowboat Desktop)

Authorized redirect URIs

Add the following redirect URI:

• http://localhost:8080/oauth/callback

Use this exactly: no trailing slash, port 8080. This must match what the app uses for the OAuth callback.

Click Create.

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7️⃣ Copy the Client ID and Client Secret

After creation, Google will show:

• Client ID
• Client Secret

Copy both values and paste them into Rowboat when prompted.

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Troubleshooting

Error after "Authorization Successful"

If the browser shows "Authorization Successful" but the app then shows an error (e.g. "invalid response encountered" or "response parameter "iss" (issuer) missing"):

1. Check the app logs (e.g. terminal or dev tools) for the full error. The message there will often indicate the cause (e.g. redirect URI mismatch, missing parameter).
2. Verify redirect URI in Google Cloud Console: Open Credentials → your OAuth 2.0 Client ID. Ensure http://localhost:8080/oauth/callback is listed under Authorized redirect URIs.
3. Client type: Make sure you selected Web application as the application type. Other types (Desktop, UWP) may not provide a client secret or may handle redirect URIs differently.

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